伊卡洛斯:一款概念车的设计过程 毕业论文外文翻译
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我的奇妙想象会飞的车英语作文英文回答:In the realm of imagination, where boundaries dissolve and the impossible becomes plausible, I envision a car that transcends the limitations of conventional vehicles. It is a visionary creation that seamlessly merges the realm of dreams with the tangible world, a masterpiece of engineering that defies gravity and offers an unparalleled driving experience.Imagine a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, its curves reminiscent of a majestic bird in flight. Constructed from lightweight, yet ultra-strong materials, it effortlessly slices through the air, its form designed to minimize drag and optimize performance. It is equipped with an innovative propulsion system that harnesses the power of advanced energy sources, enabling it to soar through the skies with effortless grace.The interior of this extraordinary vehicle is a sanctuary of comfort and technological marvel. Plush, ergonomic seats cradle the occupants, providing support and comfort during extended flights. The cabin is adorned with interactive displays, allowing for intuitive control of the car's functions. At the touch of a button, the panoramic sunroof slides open, revealing a breathtaking vista of the world below.Take flight with a gentle push of the accelerator, and watch in awe as the car ascends smoothly into the air. The roar of the engine transitions into a serene hum, as the vehicle effortlessly gains altitude. The city below transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, a stunning aerial perspective that was once reserved for birds.No longer bound by the confines of traffic and road conditions, this car grants unparalleled freedom of movement. It weaves through the air with agility and precision, soaring over towering skyscrapers and navigating narrow city streets with ease. The once-daunting commutebecomes a breathtaking journey, offering a unique perspective on the world.Beyond the urban landscape, this flying car venturesinto uncharted territories. It traverses rugged mountain ranges, revealing hidden valleys and pristine waterfalls.It glides silently over sparkling lakes and tranquil rivers, providing breathtaking views of the natural world. Thesense of freedom and adventure is limitless, as the car becomes an extension of the driver's imagination.Safety is paramount in this visionary design. Advanced sensors and collision avoidance systems ensure a secureflight experience. The car is equipped with sophisticated navigation technology, providing real-time updates on weather conditions and traffic patterns, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.The environmental impact of this flying car is meticulously considered. Its advanced propulsion system generates minimal emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. The use of lightweight materialsreduces the overall carbon footprint, making it an environmentally conscious choice.中文回答:在我的奇妙想象中,诞生了一辆可以飞行的汽车。
设计一辆独一无二的汽车的作文我想设计一辆独一无二的汽车,它将是全新的概念车。
I want to design a one-of-a-kind car, it will be a completely new concept car.这辆汽车将采用极新颖的设计,拥有动感的外形和令人赏心悦目的车身。
This car will feature a cutting-edge design with adynamic exterior and an aesthetically pleasing body.它会有独特的车头设计和独特的车尾设计,让人一眼就能认出来。
It will have a unique front design and a distinctive rear design that make it instantly recognizable.内饰将是豪华而精致的,采用最高级的材料和工艺制作。
The interior will be luxurious and exquisite, made withthe finest materials and craftsmanship.这款汽车将搭载全新的动力系统,提供更高效率和更低排放。
This car will be equipped with a new powertrain system, offering higher efficiency and lower emissions.它还拥有许多智能科技,使驾驶更加便利和安全。
It will also have many smart technologies to make driving more convenient and safe.车辆的性能将是卓越的,可以提供流畅而激动人心的驾驶体验。
The car's performance will be outstanding, providing a smooth and exhilarating driving experience.它将是一款环保的汽车,致力于降低对环境的影响。
新概念作文伊卡洛斯英文回答:In the realm of Greek mythology, the tale of Icarus and his father, Daedalus, stands as a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition and the consequences of defying divine authority. The story, which has captivated imaginations for centuries, revolves around the ingenuity of Daedalus and the recklessness of Icarus, leading to a tragic end.Daedalus, a renowned craftsman and inventor, was imprisoned on the island of Crete along with his son, Icarus. Determined to escape, Daedalus devised a brilliant plan involving the creation of wings made from feathers and wax. With meticulous care, he meticulously assembled the wings and instructed Icarus to follow his precise instructions during their perilous journey.As they soared through the heavens, Icarus, filled with youthful exuberance, became intoxicated by the thrill offlight. Ignoring his father's warnings, he flew higher and higher, closer to the scorching sun. The intense heat melted the wax that held the wings together, causing them to disintegrate. In a moment of horror, Icarus plummeted into the unforgiving sea below, his dreams of freedom forever shattered.The legend of Icarus has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some see it as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to divine laws, while others view it as a metaphor for the dangers of hubris and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Regardless of its interpretation, the story remains a timeless reminder of the fragility of human ambition and the tragic consequences that can befall those who dare to defy the boundaries set by the gods.中文回答:在希腊神话中,伊卡洛斯和他的父亲代达罗斯的故事是一个关于野心危险和违抗神权后果的警示故事。
发明汽车的英文作文Inventing the car was a game-changer. It revolutionized transportation and changed the way people lived and worked. It opened up new opportunities for travel, trade, and exploration. The car gave people the freedom to go wherever they wanted, whenever they wanted.The first cars were nothing like the sleek, high-tech vehicles we have today. They were clunky, noisy, and not very reliable. But they were a start. They laid the foundation for the cars we have now. Over time, cars have become faster, safer, and more efficient. They have evolved to meet the changing needs and demands of society.Cars have had a huge impact on the environment. They have contributed to pollution, deforestation, and climate change. But they have also led to the development of cleaner, more sustainable technologies. Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more popular, and they offer a promising alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.The invention of the car has also had a major social and cultural impact. It has shaped the way cities are designed and built. It has influenced the way people socialize and interact with each other. Cars have become a symbol of freedom, status, and independence. They have inspired countless songs, movies, and works of art.The future of cars is exciting and uncertain. With the rise of autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics, the possibilities are endless. Cars are no longer just a means of transportation; they are becoming an integral part of our daily lives. The car of the future may be very different from what we know now, but one thing is for sure: it will continue to shape the way we live, work, and play.。
设计专属智能汽车的作文展示英文回答:Designing a personalized smart car is an exciting challenge. A personalized smart car would be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the owner. It would incorporate advanced technologies and features to enhance the driving experience and ensure safety.Firstly, a personalized smart car would have a customized interior. The seats would be adjustable to provide maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. The car would also have a personalized infotainment system that can be easily controlled and accessed. This system would allow the driver to connect their smartphone wirelessly and access their favorite music, podcasts, and navigation apps.Furthermore, a personalized smart car would have advanced safety features. For example, it could have abuilt-in camera system that provides a 360-degree view ofthe surroundings, making parking and maneuvering easier. The car could also have a collision detection system that alerts the driver if there is a potential collision and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.In addition, a personalized smart car could have intelligent voice recognition technology. This would allow the driver to control various functions of the car, such as adjusting the temperature, opening and closing windows, and even sending messages, simply by using voice commands. This feature would not only make the driving experience more convenient but also enhance safety by minimizing distractions.Moreover, a personalized smart car could have adaptive cruise control. This feature would automatically adjust the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It would also automatically slow down or speed up in response to changing traffic conditions. This would make long drives more comfortable and reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.To illustrate the benefits of a personalized smart car, let's consider a scenario. Imagine I am driving to work in heavy traffic. My personalized smart car would automatically detect the traffic congestion and suggest alternative routes to avoid delays. It would also provide real-time updates on the estimated time of arrival and suggest nearby coffee shops where I can grab a cup of coffee while waiting for the traffic to clear. This would not only save me time but also make my morning commute more enjoyable.中文回答:设计一辆专属智能汽车是一个令人兴奋的挑战。
发明新型汽车英文作文英文:As an inventor, I have recently come up with a new type of car that I believe will revolutionize the automobile industry. This car is completely electric and has a unique design that allows it to be more efficient and environmentally friendly than any other car on the market.One of the key features of this car is its lightweight design. By using lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber, the car is able to use less energy to move and can travel further on a single charge. Additionally, the car has a unique shape that reduces wind resistance, further increasing its efficiency.Another important aspect of this car is its advanced technology. The car is equipped with a state-of-the-art battery that can be charged quickly and efficiently. It also has a built-in GPS system that can help drivers findthe most efficient routes and avoid traffic.In terms of safety, this car is also top-of-the-line. It has advanced sensors and cameras that can detect potential hazards and alert the driver. It also has an automatic emergency braking system that can prevent accidents.Overall, I believe that this new type of car has the potential to change the way we think about transportation. It is efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe. Plus, it looks pretty cool too!中文:作为一名发明家,我最近发明了一种新型汽车,我相信它将会彻底改变汽车工业。
奇思妙想小汽车作文英文回答:In the realm of imagination, where the boundaries of conventional thinking dissolve, there lies an awe-inspiring automotive marvel that defies the limits of reality. This futuristic masterpiece, imbued with an ethereal presence, transcends mere transportation and becomes a symphony of innovation and aesthetic allure.Its sleek, aerodynamic form, reminiscent of a comet streaking across the night sky, is a testament to the interplay of art and engineering. The body, crafted from an iridescent material that shimmers with a kaleidoscope of colors, captivates the eye with its otherworldly luminescence. Expansive windows, extending from floor to ceiling, provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, transforming every journey into an immersive visual spectacle.The cabin, an oasis of tranquility within the technological marvel, envelopes occupants in an embrace of comfort and connectivity. Advanced artificial intelligence, seamlessly integrated into the car's systems, anticipates every need and responds with intuitive precision. Ambient lighting, synchronizing with the driver's mood, creates a personalized and immersive experience.Propulsion is not merely a means of movement but an exhilarating symphony of silent power. An advanced electric motor, powered by an innovative renewable energy source, delivers unprecedented acceleration and efficiency. The car glides through the streets with an ethereal grace, its presence barely perceptible except for the faint hum of its advanced propulsion system.Safety, as paramount as innovation, is woven into the car's very fabric. An array of sensors and cameras monitor surroundings, providing a comprehensive view for the driver and alerting them to potential hazards. In the event of an emergency, a suite of automated systems intervene seamlessly, mitigating risks and ensuring the well-being ofall within.Beyond its technical marvels, this automotive masterpiece serves as a canvas for artistic expression. Its customizable exterior allows owners to infuse their individuality, transforming their vehicle into a rolling work of art. From vibrant murals to intricate patterns, the car becomes a mobile exhibition of creativity.中文回答:想象中,在超越常规思维界限的神奇领域中,有一款令人惊叹的汽车杰作,它蔑视现实的极限。
受蝴蝶翅膀启发的发明的较车作文English Answer:The delicate and intricate wings of butterflies have captured the imaginations of inventors and engineers for centuries. The unique properties of butterfly wings, such as their lightness, strength, and iridescence, have inspired a wide range of innovations in fields as diverse as aviation, materials science, and optics.One of the most notable inventions inspired by butterfly wings is the Wright brothers' airplane. The Wright brothers studied the flight of birds and insects, including butterflies, to develop their understanding of aerodynamics. They observed that the curved shape of butterfly wings allowed them to generate lift and maneuver efficiently. This knowledge helped them design their airplane's wings, which were based on the principles of butterfly flight.Another significant innovation inspired by butterfly wings is a new type of ultra-lightweight material called "biofoam." Biofoam is made from a combination of collagen and chitin, which are the same proteins that make up butterfly wings. This material is extremely light and strong, making it ideal for applications such as packaging, insulation, and even body armor.In addition to their structural properties, butterfly wings have also inspired researchers to develop new optical technologies. The iridescent colors of butterfly wings are caused by the way they interact with light. By studying the structure of butterfly wings, scientists have been able to develop new types of optical devices, such as anti-reflective coatings and high-efficiency solar cells.The inventions inspired by butterfly wings are just a few examples of the potential for biomimicry. By studying the natural world, we can learn from the amazing adaptations that have evolved over millions of years and use this knowledge to solve human problems.中文回答:蝴蝶翅膀作为薄而易碎的构造物给发明家和工程师带来了长久的灵感。
奇思妙想的发明作文汽车英文回答:I have always been fascinated by the idea of inventing something truly unique and innovative. One of my most creative ideas for an invention is a car that can transform into a boat. Imagine being able to drive your car straight into a body of water and seamlessly transition into a boat to continue your journey.This revolutionary car-boat hybrid would be equipped with special retractable wheels that could fold up when the car enters the water, allowing it to float and navigatelike a boat. The interior of the car would be waterproof and sealed to ensure a safe and dry ride on the water.Not only would this invention be incredibly practical for those living near bodies of water or in flood-prone areas, but it would also be a game-changer for road trips and adventures. No longer would you need to worry aboutfinding a bridge or ferry to cross a river – you could simply drive right in and keep going.Just picture the excitement of driving your car-boat to a secluded island for a picnic, or cruising along a river to explore new places. The possibilities are endless with this amazing invention.中文回答:我一直对发明一些独特和创新的东西感到着迷。
附录3外文翻译伊卡洛斯:一款概念车的设计过程J.A.O.Simoes*阿威罗大学机械工程学研究室,阿威罗3810-193,葡萄牙2000.05.02认可,2000.10.18使用梗概一款概念原型车的设计和制造过程描述如下。
这个项目是阿威罗大学的学生以及艺术学院和设计纽什的设计师的共同协作的成果。
该项目是为参加法国1998年壳牌环保马拉松竞争赛而设计的一款车。
设计过程主要集中于汽车的美观与制造工业的结合。
伊卡洛斯是基于翅膀的概念而设计的一款概念车,因此该项目的名称和希腊神话里的一个人物有关。
该项目描述重点提出了关于选择制造复合复杂几何曲面的材料选择问题。
2001年爱思唯儿科技有限公司。
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关键词:概念设计;产品开发;原形车;设计教育;混合材料1.产品介绍材料是人们众所周知的动西。
但是设计呢?对于不同的人来说设计可以意味着不同的意义。
普通人不会想象到一个具体的物体可能就是从一个简单的想法或者概念经过制造而被物质化的。
一些人把设计和产品的美观结合在一起,同时又有另一些人把不同的并且相关的一些领域结合起来并使它们互为补充。
设计可以理解为一个把一种想法熔炼成制造一个产品所必需的信息的一个过程(1)。
对于一个机械工程师来说,设计可以定义为科学原理的一种运用,即在基于科学技术和对产品的定义的基础上以最经济最有效的方式来实现这种产品的功能(2)。
设计者的责任覆盖从概念设计到产品描述的全过程,并且在这个产品的整个寿命预期中都要对它的利益进行维护(3)。
继查尔斯和可瑞恩,设计成为了一种复杂的过程。
这个过程为了能制造所要设计的东西要对每一件必要的事情做详细的说明(4)。
这个过程可以被描述为四个属性(5):功能、美观、制造工艺、成本。
在概念车的设计过程中要考虑这四个设计要素中的三个,那就是功能,美观和制造工艺。
由于要在伊卡洛斯项目上达到既定的目标成本因素不作考虑。
在过去数年里壳牌法国组织了燃油经济性竞争赛称为壳牌生态马拉松。
这个比赛的目的是在使用普通的热电机的基础上使车辆达到尽可能少的油耗进而促进这种原形车的研究和发展。
这个比赛中将授予设计奖(3)。
这个奖项主要基于在设计过程中美学与制造工艺的结合程度,概念的连贯性和原创性是重要的考虑因素。
至于车身,前唯美主义和后唯美主义、职能整合、材料的选择和开发都进行了参数的分析。
这些车辆是在非人体工程学的位置来驾驶的,因此司机驾驶室的入口和出口、驾驶控制程度、舒适性、通风、道路及其设施的可见度在设计过程中是一个非常重要的考虑因素。
因为在这项技术中绘画技术也要考虑在内所以必须注意基本色彩的选择,色彩的协调性,图像的结合和图样的质量。
对内‘对外加工和质量的执行也是需要铭记的重要的规格参数。
在设计中这些选择性参数都要被考虑到。
该伊卡洛斯项目是由阿威罗大学的三个部门(机械工程系、电子和信息工程系和环境工程系)和艺术学校以及设计纽什的设计师发展起来的,他们提出这个概念。
有几个方面被仔细研究,即那些和概念设计密切相关的制造工艺和材料的选择。
这个项目完成了多个目标:一款概念车的设计完成和和这个项目的教学目的。
这个项目便于更有效地学习工程学和关于设计的一些基础的东西。
这个项目除了额外具有学术教学价值外它还更容易激发学生通过动手做去学习。
当学生们看到这个项目通过自己的努力被发展起来并且变成实体时学生就会感到更有动力。
在这个项目发展的整个过程中,我们体会到了学生们的热情和奉献精神也了解到他们学的另外一些科目的掌握情况,比如那些科目有材料科学技术、结构力学、CADrCAM'电子技术、测控、流体力学,同时和同学们也进行了设计交流。
这个论文的目的就是描述发展一款概念车的过程,从概念到雏形车的制造,这个过程涉及设计或者工程学这些不同领域的知识。
图.1展示了对这款概念车理想化的不同的设计任务。
只有那些和概念设计相关的材料选择以及底盘或车身的设计制造才会被描述,在图中和灰色区域相对应。
图1.设计领域图2.原形车(伊卡洛斯)计算机线框图模型2.概念设计古希腊神话故事阿威罗和代达罗斯是人们都知道的故事。
在这个故事中,代达罗斯和儿子伊卡洛斯用来从迷宫中逃脱的方法自国王米诺斯以后被流传下来。
按照父亲代达罗斯的想象,他们用蜡烛和羽毛结合给自己制作了翅膀,然后把翅膀粘到自己的身体上从海面上飞出了迷宫。
但是伊卡洛斯因为飞的离太阳太近连接的蜡烛融化了,他掉进了下方的水里。
在这个事中翅膀这个元素是用来达到目标的。
翅膀这个概念在历史上一直是很让人着迷的,并且自纳尔多达芬奇开始已经被很多研究者广泛的研究过。
通过研究鸟的飞行和它们的身体结构,纳尔多达芬奇是第一个从科学技术的角度上来设想飞行的可能性的人,并且它的笔记中包括很多展示飞行机器设计的素描图片,这些设计通常也是通过拍打翅膀来完成操作目的的(6)。
正如其他场合说过的一样汽车开发是建立在翅膀的概念上、从人们的概念而来的一个过程,它和空气动力学中的浮力密切相关,它在运动时忽略重力并且受土地的摩擦力。
继以往的研究和设计图样以后,利用v8工作室的计算机辅助设计软件汽车的几何模型被模仿了出来,图2给出了一个车辆和驾驶员的线框模型。
计算机图像描绘了汽车的样子,其字形预测分别显示在图3和图4中。
用聚亚安酯材料制作的两辆10:1的模型车被制作了出来,用它们来进行车的美观和容量尺寸的分析,并且基于驾驶员的情况进行优化改造(图5)。
为了进行空气动力学研究还制作了一款1:5的模型车。
考虑了驾驶员自身的身体特征,包括他的身高和非人类环境改造的驾驶位置,人类环境改造学研究完成。
最终最佳的几何外形是建立在对驾驶员的视野可见度的研究的基础之上确定的,研究包括驾驶姿势和驾驶命令的可到达度(手和脚)。
对于这些研究,驾驶员的体位图像是计算机合成的,如图.2和图.5所示,它们的设计原则都要尽量减少汽车的尺寸从而减轻汽车的重量。
驾驶员的可见度是建立在从车辆正前方到两侧90度内的直接能见度的基础上的。
模型允许改变驾驶员的腿定制了一个人体工程学座位。
为了这个目的,座位的几何尺寸是通过把驾驶员以驾驶姿势放置在汽车的驾驶室里而按照那个原尺寸而定的。
座位是手工用液体的聚氨酯制造的,然后再涂一层环氧树脂然后再盖上一层柔软的泡沫和绵纸。
图3 伊卡洛斯的渲染图像3原型车制造在概念或想法的实体化过程中材料发挥了一个重要的关键性作用。
现在,材料的选择几乎是没有限制的,这对设计既是一件好事又是一件坏事。
这是一件好事,因为对于一个特定产品的人们可以找到合适的,甚至优化,妥协的设计参;这是一个坏消息因为对于一个特定用途的产品要想在较少的努力下就选择到材料是不可能的。
材料的选择在设计过程中是一个重要的方面,应该尽量使它成为一个定量的过程。
对于介绍现有产品更好的性能或者重新设计一些因为某些原因未能在某些功能上起作用的产品.来说品选择材料是必须的。
这个选择是由产品的功能定义提前决定的,并且在选择中考虑到潜在的制造过程对原材料转化为最终产品形式的相互影响。
该车辆的有机形状限制了我们在传统材料和先进的复合材料的选择。
事实上,材料的选择是活的理想形状的一个重要因素。
如图.1所示的设计过程,包括对概念的定义,三维CAD模型,人类环境改造学研究,比例模型的制造,设计和底盘的制造,车身(驾驶室),传输驱动列车,制动系统和转向系统,发动机的改装和适应,空气动力学测试,电子和遥测技术的实施。
底盘是汽车上的一个重要结构件,可以由复合材料来制造或者传统的管状焊接结构体系来制造。
但是由于汽车的几何形状,要用复合材料技术来制造车辆。
图4 车辆正投影图5 车的1:10模型和驾驶位置底盘和驾驶室的结构是使用先进的复合材料与CAD/CAM冲模技术相结合而制作的。
汽车的结构件是根据它们的结构的重要性而区分的,因此对于这些汽车上的这些考虑部分制造了不同的冲模。
这些战略包括模具的制造部分,这些模具是用低密度(100kg/m3)的聚氨酯泡沫材料制造的。
对于用磨具制造的汽车部件的考虑因素如图。
6所示。
制造了四个模具即底盘,驾驶室车身,前后盖。
驾驶员的事业区域的表面材料是以丙烯酸材料作为磨具的。
由于数控机床(的限制磨具是分部分来制作的,由几部分模具来共同形成这个完整的磨具。
4.结论伊卡洛斯是在艺术学院和设计纽什的计算机实验室诞生的,在那里概念设计被转化为基于人体工程学基础研究上的计算机模型。
在阿威罗大学的机械工程系学院的车间里变成了原型车。
设计研发的过程考虑了汽车的功能和美学特征,也综合考虑到了材料的选择和制造能力。
夹层架构制造被证实了是制造轻型复杂曲面结构的优良材料。
作为教学的角度来看,该项目也体现了它的额外增值教学价值,因为在这个项目中给了学生一个学习工程基础的实践机会,它有时也不可能给予工程课程。
为了在该项目达到这个目标,综合不同领域的知识是必要的,并且这些知识已经被学生很好地综合了。
在教育环境或学术环境下该项目的这些特点不但会受到支持而且还会得到促进;如果这样的话,在像工程师或设计者一样一步步设计的过程中学生自然会受益匪浅。
最后,伊卡洛斯获得了设计一等奖并且在1998年壳牌生态马拉松比赛中获得了国际通信奖。
鸣谢作者感谢全体学生,还有伊卡洛斯项目的设计者和老师们。
特别鸣谢校长和给予后勤和财政支持的赞助商们。
附录4外文原文Icarus: the design process of a conceptual vehicleIntroductionMaterial is something that is known to common people. And design? For different people, design can mean different things. Common people do not realize how the design process of a certain object can be materialised from idear concept to the manufacturing of it. While some people associate design to the aesthetics of products, others, the word design means a project that integrates complementary different and related areas of knowledge. Design can be the process of converting an idea into information necessary to manufacture a product w1x. For a mechanical engineer, design can be defined as the application of scientific principles, technical information and imagination on the definition of a product system to perform pre-defined functions with maximum economy and efficiency w2x. The responsibility of the designer covers all the design process, from conception to product instruct tions, and its interest maintains throughout the life expectancy of the product w3x. Following Charles and Crane, design is a complex process aiming at the specification of everything necessary to make something w4x. The process can be characterized by four attributes w5x: function; aesthetics; manufacturing process; and cost. Three of these four essential design features were considered in the design process of the conceptual vehicle, namely function, aesthetics and manufacturing process. Due to the defined objectives to be achieved within the Icarus project, the cost parameter was not considered as a relevant parameter in the design process of the vehicle. Shell France has organised over the past few years a fuel economy competition called the Shell EcoMarathon. The competition’s objectives are to test vehicles conceived to minimise the consumption of fuel in common thermal motors and stimulate the research and development of prototype vehicles. Within thecompetition a design prize is awarded w3x. This award isessentially based on the integration of the designsaesthetics within the manufacturing process. Consis-tions, and its interest maintains throughout the life expectancy of the product w3x.Following Charles and Crane, design is a complex process aiming at the specification of everything necessary to make something w4x. The process can becharacterized by four attributes w5x: function; aesthetics; manufacturing process; and cost. Three of these four essential design features were considered in the design process of the conceptual vehicle, namely function, aesthetics and manufacturing process. Due to the defined objectives to be achieved within the Icarus project, the cost parameter was not considered as a relevantparameter in the design process of the vehicle. Shell France has organised over the past few years afuel economy competition called the Shell Eco-Marathon. The competition’s objectives are to test vehicles conceived to minimise the consumption of fuel in common thermal motors and stimulate the research and development of prototype vehicles. Within the competition a design prize is awarded w3x. This award is essentially based on the integration of the designs aesthetics within the manufacturing process. Consis-to be developed have well-defined objectives. Throughout the development of the project we experienced the dedication and enthusiasm of the students and the recognition that they have learned extra engineering skills such as materials science, structural mechanics, CADrCAM,electronics, telemetry, fluid mechanics and design communication.The objective of this paper is to describe the development of a conceptual vehicle, from conception to prototype manufacturing, which involved different designrengineering areas of knowledge. Fig. 1 shows the different design tasks idealised for the development of the vehicle. Only those related to the conceptual design, materials selection and manufacturing of the chassisrbodywork _cockpit., which correspond to the grey zone, are described.2. The conceptual designThe Greek mythological story of Icarus and Daedalus is a universal well-known story. Within the story, the method used by Daedalus and son Icarus to escape from the labyrinth and therefore from King Minos is described. Idealised by father Daedalus, they built themselves wings by bonding feathers with wax, and attached them to their bodies and flew out of the labyrinth over the sea. Icarus, by flying too close to the sun, melted the wax fastenings and fell into the waters below. Within the story, the wing was the element used to achieve an objective. The wing, as a concept, has always fascinated man throughout history and has been extensively studied by many investigators since Leo-Wireframe computer model of the prototype vehicle _Icarus..nardo da Vinci. He was the first man to consider the possibility of flight from a technical point of view, by studying the flight of birds and their anatomy, and hisnotebooks contain many sketches showing designs for flying machines, usually operated by flapping wings w6xFig. 1. Identified design areas.Fig. 2 Wireframe computer model of the prototype vehicle _Icarus..As said elsewhere, the vehicle developed is a conceptual one, based on the wing concept, which is intimately related to the aerodynamics principle of lift, which presupposes weight reduction and attrition to the soil when in movement. After previous studies and sketches drawn, the geometry of the vehicle was modelled using Studio V8.0 computer-aided design software _Alias Wavefront, Silicon Graphics.. Fig.2 shows a wireframe model of the vehicle and pilot. A computer image rendering a perspective of the vehicle and its orthographic projections is shown in Figs.3 and 4, respectively.Two models at a scale of 1:10 were machined from polyurethane _UreolW. material to analyse the vehicle’s Fig. 3. aesthetics and volumetric dimensions, which were then optimised based on the pilot’s ergonomic profile _Fig. 5.. A model at a scale of 1:5 model was also manufactured for the aerodynamics study. The ergonomic study was done considering the pilot’s inherent physical char- acteristics, mainly its height _1.65 m., and the non-ergonomic driving position. The optimal final geometry was achieved based on studies concerning the pilot’s ampli-tude field view _visibility., driving posture and accessi-bility to the driving commands _hands and feet.. For these studies, the pilot’s anthropometrical profile wascomputer generated, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, which allowed to minimise, as much as possible, the volumetric dimensions of the vehicle and therefore reduce the vehicle’s weight. The pilot’s visibility area was determined based on the direct visibility control through an arc from ahead to 908 on either side of the vehicle.Fig. 3. Image rendering of Icarus.Fig. 4. Orthographic projections of the vehicle.Fig. 5. Scaled 1:10 models of the vehicle and pilot’s driving position.The models also allowed to correct the pilot’s leg position and feet, as well as to define the location of the feet and hand commands.To improve the driving comfort,,a customised ergonomic seat was manufactured. For this purpose, the surface geometry of the seat was obtained in situ by placing the pilot inside the cockpit of the vehicle in the driving posture. The seat was hand modelled with liquid polyurethane that was then coated with an epoxy and covered with a flexible foam and tissue3. Prototype vehicle manufacturingMaterials play an important key role in the materialization of an idea or concept, and are important in the design process. Nowadays, the choice of materials is almost unlimited, which is simultaneously bad and good news to designers. It is good news because one can find the suitable, even optimal, compromise of design parameters for a specific product; it is bad news because the less effort to choose materials for a certain application has vanished. The selection of materials is an important aspect of the design process and should be, as much as possible, a quantified process. The necessity of selecting materials can be provoked by the design of a new product, by the necessity to introduce better characteristics of existing products or even to redesign a product that has failed in service by some reason. The selection is done preceded by the product’s function_s. definition and is carried-out interactively considering the potential manufacturing processes to transform the raw material into the final form of the product.The organic shape of the vehicle limited our choices to a few conventional and advanced composite materials. In fact, the materials were an important choice parameter to correctly achieve the desired shape. The design process, as shown in Fig. 1, consisted on the concept definition, three-dimensional CAD modelling, ergonomic study, manufacturing of scale models, design and manufacturing of the chassis, bodywork cockpit., transmission driven train, braking system and steering system, engine modifications and adaptations, aerodynamics testing, electronics and telemetry implementation.The chassis, an important structural element of the vehicle, could be manufactured either using composite materials or by a conventional welded tubular structure system. However, due to the geometry shape of the vehicle, composite technology was used to manufacture the vehicle.The chassis and the cockpit structure were manufactured as an integrated structure using advanced composite materials moulded with CADrCAM technology. Differentiated structural parts of vehicle were considered based on its structural importance, and therefore different moulds of these considered parts of the vehicle were manufactured. The strategy consisted on the fabrication of mould-modular parts machined from low-density 100 kgrm3. polyurethane foam material. The parts of the vehicle considered for the manufacturing of the moulds are shown in Fig. 6. Four moulds were manufactured, namely those for the chassis, cockpit bodywork, front and rear covers. The surface of the pilot’s visibility area was moulded in an acrylic mate-rial. Due to the numerical controlled machine _Mikron VCE 500 with Fanuc controller. limitations, the moulds were manufactured in several modular parts which where bonded to form the complete mould. The computer modelling data of the vehicle were converted and manipulated to generate the NC machining strategies using PowershaperPowermill CADrCAM software Delcam plc., Birmingham. and moulds machined. These were then covered with an epoxy resin rein forced with woven glass fabrics and coated with gel-coat for surface polishing. Fig. 7 shows the mould used to manufacture the rear cover of the vehicle.The chassis-cockpit was manufactured as an integral component using an advanced sandwich composite material to improved structural integrity. A sandwich structure consisting of a foam core material combined with high strength skins was the solution encountered to manufacture the bodywork of the vehicle. The sandwich structure was built with load bearing composite skins bonded to a core of very lightweight foam. Two different sandwich structures were manufactured for the cockpit and for thechassis. For the cockpit, the composite sandwich was composed of two skins of two plies of woven carbon fabric _195 grm2 . bonded to a commercial PVC foam material _HerexW C70.75,Alusuisse Airex AG Speciality Foams. of 6-mm thickness. For the chassis, the sandwich structure was identical, with the exception to the core which had a 15-mm thickness and the skins were manufactured with unidirectional carbon fabric added between the woven carbon fabrics to higher the flexural rigidity. The foam used is a crossed-linked foam with rigid closed cell structure with high stiffness and strength to weight ratio and good compression strength and vibration resistance w7x. Table 1 shows the typical properties of the foam used _manufacturer’s data.. These foam materials are commercialised in scrim-cloth panels, therefore are easily adaptable to manufacture complex geometry surfaces. The chassis-bodywork _cockpit., constructed as an integrated sandwich structure is shown in Fig. 8. For the front and rear covers, a composite material of epoxy resin reinforced with woven carbon fabrics was manufactured to give the necessary stiffness. The two lateral wings of the vehicle were manufactured bonding woven carbon fibre to a machined core which had the geometry of the wing. Table 2 shows the different composite sandwich structures manufactured for the chassis-cockpit, rear and front covers of the vehicle. The roll-bar of the cockpit had to withstand a static load of 700 N imposed by regulations w8x, and so an in situ roll-bar was made of unidirectional carbon fibre. Some ribs were also added to both sides of the cockpit to withstand possible lateral shocks. Fig. 9 shows the Icarus vehicle in competition at the Paul Ricard circuit4. ConclusionsIcarus was born in the computer laboratory of th School of Arts and Design of Matosinhos, where the conceptual design was transformed into computer models based on performed ergonomic studies. At the workshop of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Aveiro the virtual model was transformed into a prototype vehicle. The design process was developed considering the function and aesthetics of the vehicle, as well as the integration of selected materials with manufacturing capabilities. The sandwich structures manufactured showed to be an excellent material to manufacture resistant lightweight complex surface structures.As a pedagogic point of view, the project presented an extra-added teaching value because it allowed the students involved in the project a more practical learning engineering basis, which sometimes is not possible to be given within the curricula of the engineering courses. To successfully materialise the objectives of the project, itwas necessary to integrate different design areas of knowledge, which was well interpreted by the students. Projects with these characteristics must be supported and, even more, stimulated in educationalracademic environments; if so, the students will certainly benefit from them in their step-by-step formation as engineersrdesigners. Finally, Icarus was awarded with the first Design prize and with an International Communication prize at the 1998 Shell EcoMarathon competition. AcknowledgementsThe author would like to thank all students, designers and teachers involved in the Icarus project. Special acknowledgements to the Rector of the University ofAveiro and sponsors who gave logistic and financial support.。