Application of Evolutionary Structural Optimisation; Reinventing the (Bicycle) Wheel

Errol A. Merten

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.553.830

Paper Titles

Topology Optimisation of 3D Structures Using the Moving Iso-Surface Threshold Method
p.801

Optimal Retrofitting of Structures Using Braces
p.807

Topology Optimisation of Composites Containing Base Materials of Distinct Poisson’s Ratios
p.813

Automated High Quality Isosurface Modeling Technique for Iterative Two-Phase Problems
p.818

Topology Optimization of Photonic Band Gap Crystals
p.824

Application of Evolutionary Structural Optimisation; Reinventing the (Bicycle) Wheel
p.830

An Application of Bi-Directional Evolutionary Structural Optimisation for Optimising Energy Absorbing Structures Using a Material Damage Model
p.836

Buckling-Induced Retraction of Structured Spherical Shell under Pressure
p.842

Development of a Hypersonic Aircraft Design Optimization Tool
p.847

HomeApplied Mechanics and MaterialsApplied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 553Application of Evolutionary Structural...

Application of Evolutionary Structural Optimisation; Reinventing the (Bicycle) Wheel

Abstract:

This paper reports the application of Evolutionary Structural Optimisation (ESO) to minimise the weight of a bicycle wheel rim. Two finite element models were developed to analyse the rims internal structure. The internal structure of a bicycle wheel rim consists of two walls connected by a rounded spoke bed, and a horizontal spar. One model was constructed with linear plate elements and suggested material should be distributed around the spoke bed and away from the rim walls, however inaccuracies were found in the spar section. ESO of the second model, consisting of linear brick elements presented similar results but modeled the spar section accurately. Results suggested that ESO applied to bicycle wheel rims can improve the performance of the wheel through weight reduction. These findings present a simple example to engineers who wish to use ESO for improvements to the material distribution of any hollow shell structure.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 553)

Pages:

830-835

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.553.830

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

May 2014

Authors:

Errol A. Merten*

Keywords:

Bicycle Wheel Rim Structure, Evolutionary Structural Optimisation, Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] N. Barry, D. Burton, T. Crouch, J. Sheridan and R. Luescher Effect of crosswinds and wheel selection on the aerodynamic behavior of a cyclist, 9th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association, pp.20-25, (2012).

DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2012.04.005

Google Scholar

[2] Y. M. Xie and G. P. Steven, Evolutionary Structural Optimization, London: Springer - Verlag , (1997).

Google Scholar

[3] International Cycling Union, Description of impact test on wheels, " [Online]. Available: http: /www. uci. ch/templates/UCI/UCI2/layout. asp, MenuId=MTYwNzQ&LangId=1. [Accessed 6 07 2013].

Google Scholar

[4] V. Adams and A. Askenazi, Building Better Products with Finite Element Analysis, OnWord Press, (1999).

Google Scholar

[5] P. G. Bretting, P. H. Jansen, M. Callahan, J. Bogler and J. Prunckle, Analysis of Bicycle Pitch-Over in a Controlled Environment, SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems, vol. 3, no. 1, pp.57-71, (2010).

DOI: 10.4271/2010-01-0064

Google Scholar

[6] Strand7, Strand7 Software, [Online]. Available: http: /www. strand7. com/. [Accessed 01 07 2013].

Google Scholar