Vibranium developed for Hyperloop construction
- May 26, 2016
- Posted by: Simon Wait
- Category: Industry News
Jumpstartfund’s Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc (HTT) has announced the base technology of the Hyperloop System will be Vibranium.
Vibranium is a smart material specifically developed for the Hyperloop application. Made of sensor-embedded carbon fibre, this new smart material is eight times stronger than aluminum and 10 times stronger than steel alternatives, and transmits critical information regarding temperature, stability, integrity and more, wirelessly and instantly. It is also much lighter in weight—roughly five times less than steel and 1.5 times less than aluminum—reducing energy output to propel the capsule.
The Hyperloop Vibranium capsule construction was also revealed, showing the material in a dual-layer sandwich formation. This allows for complete passenger safety even if the outer skin is damaged. This technology is one of the first HTT has developed in conjunction with top Slovakian companies.
‘Safety is one of the most important aspects of our system,’ said Dirk Ahlborn CEO of Jumpstartfund and HTT. ‘We are 10 times safer than an airplane. Our collaboration with Slovakia and their technical skills in new materials, automotive and production processes have made this technology possible.’
HTT has also announced the first in a series of innovation calls, starting with a Digital Innovation Challenge planned on 6 July in Bratislava, which will be followed by several entrepreneurial innovation challenges. As part of the challenge, HTT is developing a digital platform using mobile technologies and big data analytics, creating an opportunity for companies to improve travel and create new business potential.
‘The Hyperloop digital ecosystem will allow passengers and businesses to participate in travel in new and exciting ways. It gives us an opportunity to craft a digital world that will mesh perfectly with Hyperloop travel and its many related services—and solve a great many issues that plague business and leisure travellers worldwide,’ said Bibop Gresta, COO of HTT.
The Hyperloop Transportation System is the fifth mode of transportation. A capsule hovers inside a tube with low air pressure, similar to an airplane in high altitude, which generates less resistance. The remaining air in front of the capsule is moved to the back using a compressor, which allows for high speeds of 760mph with very little energy consumption.