Utilization of finite element analysis in design and performance evaluation of CFRP bicycle frames

With the continuing demand for lightweight bicycles, carbon fiber composite materials have been widely used in manufacturing bicycle frames and components. Unlike general isotropic materials, the structural characteristics of composite materials are strongly influenced by the staking directions and sequences of composite laminates. Thus, to verify the design process of bicycles manufactured using composites, structural analysis is considered essential. In this study, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bicycle frame was designed and its structural behavior was investigated using finite element analysis (FEA). By measuring the failure indices of the fiber and matrix under various stacking sequences and loading conditions, the effect of the stacking condition of composite laminates on the strength of the bicycle structure was examined. In addition, the structural safety of the bicycle frame can be enhanced by reinforcing weak regions prone to failure using additional composite laminates.