Spring 2007, MET 415 - FEA Applications I

Prof. Dave Johnson, dhj1@psu.edu, Penn State - Erie, The Behrend College

Homework 5B:  3D Modeling


  A two-dimensional approximation of a bicycle frame is shown in the figure.

Supports:

Pinned (UX and UY) at the rear axle
Vertical (UY only) at the front axle
Use proper UZ constraint in a 3D model to prevent rigid body motions without creating artificial stress.

This structure is to be analyzed for two load conditions:

  1. 25 lbf on the handle bars and 150 lbf on the seat (location A)

  2. 25 lbf on the handle bars and 150 lbf on the pedal bearing (location B)

  For both loadings, use a design factor of 3 (i.e., multiply the loads by 3 to account for dynamic effects)

  The structure is assembled from two sizes of tubing.  A heavier tubing is used from location A to B, and from the handle bars to the front axle.  All other sections are the lighter tubing.  Tubing material: Aluminum 6061-T6.  All joints between tubes are welded together.

  Cross-Sect. Area (in2) Moment of Inertia (in4) Section Height (in) Inner Radius (in) Outer Radius (in)
Lighter Tube Section 0.167 0.0073 0.675 0.2465 0.3375
Heavier Tube Section 0.333 0.037 1.05 0.4119 0.525

  Analyze this structure in a static analysis simulation.

Turn in: