Failure analysis of bicycle frame composite structure based on stacking variant of laminate layers

Abstract

No matter what kind of bike the parts belong to (according to the requirements they need to meet), these parts are almost identical. The most complex bicycle part in the structural optimization for manufacture is a bicycle frame that can be made of steel, aluminium, titanium or composite material. All the parts on the bicycle are customized to the frame. Functional dimensions and angles should be taken into account when selecting the frame geometry. Manufacturers present them in the form of tables with a sketch of the frame itself. The process of development and identification of stress-strain distributions must provide unique insight into the behaviour of composite structures. This paper presents the results of structural analysis of a composite bicycle frame with clearly defined fiber orientations at the level of complex geometry, according to relevant load cases. Emphasis is placed on identifying critical zones on the frame when pedalling and crossing holes in the road. The modern ANSYS software package (module dealing with composites: ANSYS Composite Prep Post) is used for modelling and numerical analysis.