Case Study: EPFLoop / EPFL achieves a lighter, faster Hyperloop pod with COMSOL

EPFLoop Team halves pod weight and reaches 148 mph with Comsol

The EPFLoop Team, a group of engineering students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), faced the challenge of designing a significantly lighter and faster Hyperloop pod prototype for the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition. Their goal was to create a single, compact structure from composite materials that could withstand substantial dynamic loads while meeting strict safety requirements. To achieve this, they turned to Comsol and its simulation software for assistance.

Using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software with the Composite Materials Module, the EPFLoop team modeled their pod's structure as 2D shell elements to efficiently analyze the complex composite layers and adhesive joints. This solution from Comsol enabled them to virtually test and optimize their design, ensuring it met all safety factors before manufacturing. The result was a pod that weighed only 150 kg, half the weight of their previous design, which achieved a top speed of 238 km/h, nearly triple the previous year's performance, and secured them third place in the competition.

EPFLoop Team / EPFL