Case Study: MountainWave Design Services achieves a human-powered vehicle world record and prototype-free aerodynamic optimization with SolidWorks

Developing the world-record-setting, human-powered vehicle with SolidWorks software

MountainWave Design Services, led by Ben Eadie, is a Calgary-based design and consulting firm specializing in aerodynamic systems that was hired to develop an aerodynamic body for Greg Kolodziejzyk’s human-powered vehicle aimed at breaking distance records. To meet the challenge of optimizing performance without costly prototypes or wind‑tunnel testing, MountainWave relied on SolidWorks design and analysis software, including SolidWorks Flow Simulation and SolidWorks Simulation.

Using SolidWorks, Eadie ran iterative CFD and structural analyses to create a fishlike, bullet-shaped fairing, calibrating turbulence and flow settings to minimize drag and determine exact carbon-fiber requirements. The SolidWorks-driven virtual development eliminated prototypes, cut what would have taken 15 years down to 2½ years, produced results that correlated more than 98% with track measurements, reduced development costs (the final bike cost $52,000), and helped set the human-powered vehicle distance record of 650.5 miles in 24 hours.

MountainWave Design Services

Ben Eadie

Founder