Bullet on Wheels, Designed in SolidWorks, Aims for 24-Hour Record; Human-Powered Vehicle, to Be Pedaled by Ironman Triathlete, Was Tested in COSMOSFloWorks' 'Virtual Wind Tunnel'.

CONCORD, Mass. -- A Canadian designer used SolidWorks(R) and COSMOS(R) software to develop and optimize a human-powered vehicle that will attempt the 24-hour distance record in July. Capable of more than 60 miles per hour, the machine is essentially a recumbent bicycle - one where the rider lies on his back - encapsulated in an aerodynamic carbon fiber fairing.

The "Critical Power" resembles an eight-foot long bullet and will be the pilot's mobile home for at least 22 hours during the record attempt. Greg Kolodziejzyk, a top 10 age-group finisher in several Ironman triathlons, will assail the 11-year-old record of 1,021.36 km (634.6 miles) sometime between July 19 and 24, depending on weather. The retired computer imaging entrepreneur chose the Redwood Acres Motor Speedway in Eureka, Calif., as his venue after evaluating 19 other tracks in North America for climate, surface, and layout.

"SolidWorks and COSMOS software helped us develop what we are convinced is a superior design from aerodynamic, mechanical, and ergonomic standpoints," said Designer Ben Eadie, owner of MountainWave Design Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "But the proof will be laid down on the track."

Eadie optimized the vehicle's aerodynamics by creating a "virtual wind tunnel" with COSMOSFloWorks(TM) computational fluid dynamics analysis software. He accomplished this by calibrating COSMOSFloWorks settings for turbulence, relative density, percentage error, and interactive elements with the solid body. After testing a series of established human-powered vehicle designs, he settled on an entirely new design that tapers to a thin vertical wedge in the stern. This shape serves to part the air and gently reassemble it with minimal turbulence.

The vehicle's shape resembles that of a fish. "We didn't start out thinking 'fish,' but when my designs follow nature, I always feel like I'm headed in the right direction," said Eadie. "Natural selection is probably the best design optimization process you can hope for." The virtual wind tunnel's findings correlated by more than 98 percent with calculations experienced on the track.

COSMOSWorks(R) analysis software helped Eadie determine the amount of carbon fiber required for the shell design. It graphically highlighted hot spots that needed reinforcement and cold spots where a layer or two of fiber could safely be removed.

Eadie started the design process two and a half years ago with a photograph of Kolodziejzyk in a position that leveraged the powerful pedal stroke the triathlete had refined over thousands of miles of training. Eadie superimposed the photo onto a SolidWorks drawing, resulting in an ultra-efficient design allowing only single millimeters of clearance in all directions. The bike literally fits like a glove.

Eadie has used SolidWorks software since 1999 to develop the Critical Power as well as more traditional recumbent bicycles and special projects ranging from hydrogen fuel cells to diaper-changing tables. "With every release SolidWorks continues to prove why it is the most robust 3D CAD tool for designing better products, whether in carbon fiber, structural steel, plastics, or sheet metal," Eadie said.

Added Kolodziejzyk, "I don't know where SolidWorks and COSMOS leave off and where Ben's expertise begins, but the machine is fast. Now it's all up to me."

The record attempt is sanctioned by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association. To hear a conversation with Kolodziejzyk and Eadie, listen to the podcast at http://www.solidworks.com/mediapodcast.

For more information on the record attempt, visit Kolodziejzyk's Web site at http://www.adventuresofgreg.com/HPVMain.html.

MountainWave Design Services relies on authorized SolidWorks resellers Automated Design Systems and WestCAM Technologies for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

About MountainWave Design Services

MountainWave Design Services, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, provides a wide range of design, consulting, and invention services for customers in Canada and around the world. MountainWave's work is designed by man but inspired by nature. For more information visit www.mountain-wave.ca.

About Automated Design Systems

With 20 years of experience helping small and medium-sized businesses satisfy their technical software requirements, Automated Design Systems brings a successful proven track record and practical experience to helping customers with their current and future software selection and implementation needs. Through offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Winnipeg, ADS provides software tools, implementation services, integration support, and education programs for the world leading CAD and ERP applications. For more information, visit ADS on the Web at www.automated-design.ca.

About WestCAM Technologies Inc.

Since 1996, WestCAM Technologies Inc. has been supplying top quality software, training, and support to companies throughout Western Canada. WestCAM offers a complete range of end-to-end CAD, CAM, CAE, and data management solutions. Their experienced sales and support team is dedicated to helping customers with all aspects of their implementation process. WestCAM supports hundreds of customers from all industry sectors, and provides training courses across Western Canada. For further information, visit the company's Web site (www.cadcam.net).

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, providing intuitive, Bullet on wheels, designed in SolidWorks, aims for 24-hour record - high-performing software that helps product design teams develop great products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call [phone]).

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOS and COSMOSWorks are registered trademarks and COSMOSFloWorks is a trademark of Structural Research & Analysis Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2006 SolidWorks Corporation.