William Biesiadecki, Mamdouh Eldaly, Chong Woo Han, Michael Isakov ESC 101M February 28th, 2012 Mechanics

of Materials Report System Overview: The system we are analyzing is a Dahon Speed Uno Foldable Bicycle. In particular, we are analyzing the seat frame of the bicycle. The bicycle frame is made of welded hollow 4130 chromoly tubes (superlight). Chromoly is 41xx family steel with a tensile strength ranging from 85,000 psi to 120,000 psi and a yield strength ranging from 60,000 psi to 95,000 psi. The major components of the frame are the seat column, the backbone, the seatstays, the chainstays, and fork. The components are outlined below:

Figure 1: Dahon Speed Uno Foldable bicycle with labeled frame members that we will be analyzing.

As is, the bicycle is designed to withstand 230 pounds of rider weight according the manufacturers specifications. The weight is distributed variably between the seat column, the handlebars, and the pedals based on the riders actions. Project Plan: We will be analyzing the axial load on the seat column. The primary forces are exerted by the rider sitting on the bicycle and performing actions. We will be analyzing the torsional load on the backbone. This torsional load will exist mainly when the rider is rocking the bicycle back and forth when performing an action such as riding uphill. We will be analyzing the bending load on the backbone, the seatstays, and the chainstays due to the weight of the rider and the riders actions.

William Biesiadecki, Mamdouh Eldaly, Chong Woo Han, Michael Isakov ESC 101M February 28th, 2012 We will be analyzing the compressive load on the on the backbone, the seat column, the seatstays, and the chainstays due to the weight of the rider and the riders actions.

Our goal in analyzing these components is to redesign the bike by reducing the weight of the bike while maintaining the maximum loading capability. Axial Loading Problem Definition: Our analysis will be centered on weight of the rider exerted on the seat column. The bicycle can currently withstand 230 lbs of force on the seat column maximum. We wish to increase this value. This requires analyzing the seat column with respect to the entire frame; our test load for this analysis would be a 200 lb average weight for an adult human male. Possible approaches include increasing the thickness of the seat column, the inner and outer diameters of the seat column.

Figure 2: Dimensions of bicycle with force directions treating each bicycle component as a member (with the exceptions of the wheels).