How to use FEA in bicycle design?
How to use FEA in bicycle design?
(OP)
Greetings
I'm in the process of designing some bicycle frames and wanted to use FEA to generate better results.
Thus I wanted to ask a (apparently) simple question:
Which kind of FEA analysis should one do to optimize or check for stress areas in bicycle frames?
Thanks a lot!
I'm in the process of designing some bicycle frames and wanted to use FEA to generate better results.
Thus I wanted to ask a (apparently) simple question:
Which kind of FEA analysis should one do to optimize or check for stress areas in bicycle frames?
Thanks a lot!






RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
I'm not sure which loads should I use. but basically we're dealing with forces coming from the wheel hubs, from the rider wheight and also lateral loads. I think that's it, correct me if I'm wrong.
Also remember that a bicycle frame is subject to variable stress, kind of like a car (holes in road, bumps, gravel pavements, etc)
Thanks!
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
I suggest that you instrument a real bicycle with a real
rider and see what stresses you need to worry about.
TTFN
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
No, this isn't for a class and I don't have any measuring equipment available, that's why I think FEA might help me in the project. Still, I know that there are many bicycle companies that use FEA to develop their frames, and I just wanted to know what kind of FEA analysis they do.
Thanks
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
corus
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
Steven K. Roberts, Technomad
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
It's for a cruising bicycle, but I want to take into account some ocasional abuse.
Thanks
RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
Their are many frame builders in the bike industry that just build frames off the cuff....and it shows in the final outcome. I would also suggest taking a frame building class. I've seen them offered by local frame builders.
Best Regards,
Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
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RE: How to use FEA in bicycle design?
See forum664