|
CSME 2025/12
Volume 46 No.6
:
591-599
|
|
Structural Analysis of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites in Bicycle Frames
Chi-Hua Hsu a and Yan-Cheng Chen b
aAssistant Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan 500208, ROC.
bGraduate Student, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan 500208, ROC.
|
Abstract:
In response to the growing demand for sustainable and lightweight bicycle structures, this study investigates the application of natural fiber-reinforced composites in frame design. Sisal and jute fibers were selected as reinforcement materials, and their mechanical performance was evaluated through finite element simulations based on the ISO 4210-6 impact test standard. A composite stacking block consisting of four fiber orientations (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) was used to assess the minimum laminate thickness required for impact compliance. Results revealed that the sisal composite exhibited higher stiffness than jute. Furthermore, local reinforcement strategies were explored by applying targeted lay-ups to high-deformation regions (top tube and down tube). The findings showed that localized ply additions effectively reduced deformation while minimizing material usage, with the top tube exhibiting greater reinforcement efficiency. These results confirm the potential of natural fiber composites as viable, eco-friendly alternatives for bicycle frame applications.
|
|
Keywords: natural Fiber Reinforced Composites, bicycle frames, finite element method.
|
Download PDF
|
©
2025
CSME , ISSN 0257-9731
|