Our Team

Magnetic Levitation

The MagLev team develops the Halbach array-based levitation system using linear and rotational test rigs to characterise lift and drag at speed. This year the team rebuilt the MagLev ski CAD, ran COMSOL simulations, got the motor running with fully controllable RPM, and finalised new motor selection for the linear rig.

Propulsion

The Propulsion sub-team designs, tests, and refines the BLDC motor-driven powertrain responsible for accelerating the pod to 60 km/h — slightly above the threshold required for passive levitation. This year the team completed motor characterisation, got all four motors spinning in tandem, and refined the torque-speed and drag-force models.

Chassis

The Chassis team is the structural backbone of the Hyperloop pod, responsible for the lightweight carbon-fibre shell and internal aluminium frame. This year the team updated the chassis CAD to reflect modifications from last year's physical build and is working toward manufacturing the carbon fibre outer shell with sponsor support.

Suspension

Goals

Responsible for keeping the pod aligned with the track while damping vertical and lateral vibrations. Primary goal: complete full assembly of both top and side suspension systems, validated through ANSYS FEA simulations.

Achievements

• Finalised CAD models for top and side suspension systems
• FEA simulations in ANSYS to evaluate stress distribution and load capacity
• Progress toward full mechanical assembly of both systems
• Development planning for physical testing to validate structural performance

Braking

The Braking team is responsible for the single most critical safety system of the pod — high-speed friction and pneumatic braking capable of bringing the pod from top speed to a complete stop. This year the team developed a dual-redundant pneumatic caliper system with a fail-safe mechanism that automatically engages on power loss.

Electronics

The Electronics and Software sub-team ensures all electrical components function reliably, designing and implementing control systems and firmware governing the braking actuators and drive motors. The team bridges mechanical systems and real-world performance through hardware interfacing, control logic, and systems integration.

Full Scale

The Full-Scale team focuses on large-scale R&D for future Hyperloop systems — designing decompression chambers, simulating vacuum pumping solutions, and evaluating alternative pod concepts. This year the team is applying biomimicry principles to system efficiency and designing the vacuum tube structure to minimise stress concentrations.

Business

The Business team drives Hyperloop Manchester's external presence and financial sustainability — managing media outreach, social media strategy, brand identity, and sponsorship negotiations. This year the team is expanding the sponsor portfolio, increasing social engagement, and establishing new partnerships to support EHW ambitions.

Rover

The Rover team designs and builds a semi-autonomous vehicle for traversing uneven terrain, integrating LiDAR and cameras to map environments and detect obstacles in real-time. This year the team developed a custom rocker-bogie suspension system and optimised pathfinding algorithms for faster autonomous navigation.