Date of Defense

4-17-2007

First Advisor

Dr. Dennis VandenBrink

Second Advisor

Dr. Bade Shrestha

Third Advisor

Dr. Rameshwar Sharma

Abstract

Development of a Concept Trials Frame was a mechanical engineering design project that developed a new bicycle frame that has the strength and durability to be used for trials bike riding. The scope of the project was placed solely on the bicycle's frame. Current frames were analyzed based on their strength, durability, stiffness, weight, and appearance. These factors were ranked for importance and became the performance targets for the new frame. Several designs that utilize elastic strain energy to increase performance were brainstormed. Following SolidWorks modeling, equivalent impact loads were calculated using several analytical methods. These loads were then applied to the solid models in Algor finite element analysis (FEA) software. The results of these analyses were used to strengthen the frame were necessary. Finally, several iterations of optimization were completed to reduce the weight of the frame. The final frame weighs 4.71bs, has a stand over height of 227mm, and will not yield during the high impact conditions of trials riding.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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