Safety by Design: Hyperloop

The EU aims to develop an efficient transport system to reduce emissions and congestion. In recent years, hyperloop trains are being developed. The virgin hyperloop has transported its first passengers in 2020 (1). The train can be seen as a capsule which is travelling in a vacuum tube (see image below). Because of the vacuum, the air resistant is minimal and in theory the transport system could reach transonic speeds (2). Because of the high speed, the train could compete with traditional means of transport like trains and airplanes. Short air routes could be replaced by a hyperloop, because airplanes have to deal with for example runway taxiing and decent (2). One of the biggest concerns of this transport system is safety, because of the high speed and enclosed environment. Thereby it is important that this system is investigated from a safety point of view.

The full report can be found here: https://safety.productions/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hyperloop_Safety_by_Design_Report.pdf

The presentation can be found here: https://safety.productions/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hyperloop_Safety_by_Design_Presentation.pptx

References:

(1) Klei K. Virgin hyperloop verscheept eerste passagiers.https://www.kijkmagazine.nl/filmpjes/virgin-hyperloop-verscheept-eerste-passagiers/, 14-11-2020. Accessed on: 16-11-2020.

(2) Opgenoord M. M. J. and Caplan P. C. Aerodynamic design of the hyperloop concept. AIAA Journal, 56(11):4261–4270, 2018.