Two different types of one-piece monocoque frames (Type I and II) for city bicycles were successfully developed. Glass fabrics and vinylester resin were used for the present bicycles since the cost was strongly considered as well as the weight. S-RTM (Structural resin transfer molding) was primarily used to fabricate the main frames. For Type I frames, the whole frame is fabricated by S-RTM at one shot of the resin after setting three pieces of glass pre-forms and metal parts in the mold. For Type II frames, left and right halves of the frame are firstly fabricated by S-RTM using conventional male and female molds. Then, they are joined together at the center of the frame by overlay joining. Stress analyses using a 3D linear FEM were conducted to estimate the stress distribution for both frames. Strain measurement using strain gages confirms an accuracy of estimation on the stress distribution calculated by the FEM. Three-point bending and fatigue tests based on JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) confirm that the newly developed frames have enough strength and durability as city bicycles.
Development of fiber-glass composite monocoque frames for city bicycles fabricated by S-RTM and overlay joining
1997
14 Seiten, 4 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Engineering Index Backfile | 1932
|Emerald Group Publishing | 1938