Tandem Bicycle Frame
March 2017
Group Project with Scott Bunting, Yeon Kim and Patrick Wasinsungworn
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to create an optimised design for a tandem bicycle. The aim of the project was to optimise the mass, natural frequency and lifetime of the frame by iterative design. The final design was 3D printed for display. Static, frequency and fatigue studies were conducted.
My Contribution
Every team member generated several bicycle frame designs and tested them using FEA. Eventually, a frame which combined elements from all 4 team members' configurations was created and found to perform best.
Loads
Vertical forces represented the passengers
Boundary Conditions
Fixed geometry was applied to the rear dropouts and fork shell.
Remote loads are applied to model the force of the cyclist's feet on the pedals. These were both applied on the same side, creating a 'worst case scenario'
Left Pedal
Right Pedal
Passengers
For the fatigue study, 3 load cases were combined, using 'find cycle peaks'
Results
The 3D printed frame
