Hardt Hyperloop
What exactly is a hyperloop?
The hyperloop, a revolutionary transportation system where vehicles glide on magnetic fields in near-vacuum tubes, represents a significant leap in efficient travel. Using roughly 10% of the energy of road or air transport and half that of traditional railways, it operates quietly and integrates smoothly with various environments. Leading this innovation is Hardt, a European hyperloop technology company. With its advanced test facilities in the Netherlands and support from the European Commission, Hardt is at the forefront of developing and commercializing hyperloop technology, promising a more sustainable, efficient alternative to conventional transport methods.
European Hyperloop Center
The European Hyperloop Center (EHC), embracing the ethos of open innovation, serves as both a test facility and a knowledge hub in Groningen, the Netherlands. As a global nexus for hyperloop development, it invites developers from various corners of the world to test and refine their technologies. At EHC, collaboration is key, with high-tech companies, industry leaders, and scientific researchers uniting to foster the growth of the Hyperloop. This center is not just a testing ground but a breeding space for sustainable transportation solutions, setting the stage for the future of eco-friendly and efficient travel.
The challenge:Designing supports for thermal expansion
One of the major challenges faced in hyperloop design is the variability in material properties, especially in relation to ambient temperature fluctuations. The hyperloop undergoes thermal expansion and contraction due to the changing temperatures of its surroundings. If this thermal expansion is not taken into account in the supports that connect the hyperloop to the surface, this can result in catastrophic damage, compromising both the structural integrity of the track and the safety of its operations. The challenge for DRIE-D was to design supports that can handle the high loads, that can provide the constraints in desired directions and can accomodate displacements due to the thermal expansion. Additionally, a key requirement was to design and manufacture these supports as compact as possible, ensuring they are space-efficient while meeting all technical demands.
The solution:Custom design supports with D-glide®
A core component of our solution lies in our renowned D-glide® composite material. Its unique properties in combination with the inventive design result in compact supports which can mitigate the effects of thermal expansion and support the entire hyperloop. Beyond its small footprint, D-glide® shines in terms of durability, making it the optimal choice for a project as progressive as hyperloop. By integrating D-glide®, we are contributing to a greener, more efficient future in transportation.
A proud contribution
In a collaboration with Hardt, DRIE-D have made significant strides in the hyperloop project. We are proud that European Hyperloop Center, an arena of cutting-edge transportation research, is fully equipped with custom designed D-glide® components.
The European Hyperloop Center promises not only to advance the state of hyperloop technology but also to define new benchmarks in sustainable transportation.
At DRIE-D, our passion is intertwined with our purpose, driving us to develop solutions that innovate and shape the future. We are immensely proud to contribute to the hyperloop revolution, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application. As we continue to explore this exciting field, we are looking to connect with fellow engineers and innovators interested in sustainable transportation. If you are keen on collaboration or want to understand more about our work, we encourage you to get in touch. By working together, we aim to expand the possibilities in sustainable transportation.
