Analysis of Bicycle Frame

Find the deflection, SF and BM diagram for the given bicycle frame

Analysis Type : Structural

Element type : Element (pipe16)

Youngs Modulus : EX = 70000 MPa

Poisson Ratio : 0.33

Preprocessing: Defining the Problem

1. Clear any old ANSYS files and start a new file

Utility Menu > File > Clear and Start New

2. Give the Example a Title

Utility menu > File > Change Title

3. Defining Some Variables

We are going to define the vertices of the frame using variables. These variables
represent the various lengths of the bicycle members. Notice that by using
variables like this, it is very easy to set up a parametric description of your model.
 This will enable us to quickly redefine the frame should changes be necessary.
The quickest way to enter these variables is via the 'ANSYS Input' window which
was used above to input the command line codes for the verification model. Type
in each of the following lines followed by Enter.

x1 = 500
x2 = 825
y1 = 325
y2 = 400
z1 = 50

4. Enter Keypoints

For this space frame example, these keypoints are the frame vertices.

o We are going to define 6 keypoints for this structure as given in the

following table (these keypoints are depicted by the circled numbers in the
above figure):

coordinate
keypoint
x y z
1 0 y1 0
2 0 y2 0
3 x1 y2 0
4 x1 0 0
5 x2 0 z1
6 x2 0 -z1

o Now instead of using the GUI window we are going to enter code into the
'command line'. First, open the 'Preprocessor Menu' from the 'ANSYS
Main Menu'. The preprocessor menu has to be open in order for the
preprocessor commands to be recognized. Alternatively, you can type
/PREP7 into the command line. The command line format required to enter
a keypoint is as follows:
o K, NPT, X, Y, Z

where, each Abbreviation is representative of the following:

Keypoint, Reference number for the keypoint, coords

x/y/z
 For a more detailed explanation, type help k into the command line

For example, to enter the first keypoint type:

K,1,0,y1,0

into the command line followed by Enter.

As with any programming language, you may need to add comments. The
exclamation mark indicates that anything following it is commented out.
ie - for the second keypoint you might type:

K,2,0,y2,0 ! keypoint, #, x=0, y=y2, z=0

o Enter the 4 remaining keypoints (listed in the table above) using the
command line
o Now you may want to check to ensure that you entered all of the keypoints
correctly:
Utility Menu > List > Keypoints > Coordinates only
(Alternatively, type 'KLIST' into the command line)

o If there are any keypoints which need to be re-entered, simply re-enter the
code. A previously defined keypoint of the same number will be
redefined. However, if there is one that needs to be deleted simply enter
the following code:
o KDELE,#

where # corresponds to the number of the keypoint.

In this example, we defined the keypoints by making use of previously defined

variables like y1 = 325. This was simply used for convenience. To define
keypoint #1, for example, we could have alternatively used the coordinates x = 0,
y = 325, z = 0.

5. Changing Orientation of the Plot

o To get a better view of our view of our model, we'll view it in an isometric
view:
o Select Utility menu bar > PlotCtrls > Pan, Zoom, Rotate...'
  In the window that
appears (shown left), you have
many controls. Try experimenting
with them. By turning on the
dynamic mode (click on the
checkbox beside 'Dynamic Mode')
you can use the mouse to drag the
image, translating and rotating it on
all three axes.
 To get an isometric
view, click on 'Iso' (at the top right).
You can either leave the 'Pan,
Zoom, Rotate' window open and
move it to an empty area on the
screen, or close it if your screen is
already cluttered.

6. Create Lines

We will be joining the following keypoints together:

keypoint
line
1st 2nd Again, we will use the command line to create the
lines. The command format to create a straight line
1 1 2 looks like:
2 2 3
L, P1, P2
3 3 4 Line, Keypoint at the beginning of the
line, Keypoint at the end of line
4 1 4
For example, to obtain the first line, I would write:
5 3 5 ' L,1,2 '
6 4 5
Note: unlike 'Keypoints', 'Lines' will automatically
assign themselves the next available reference
 7 3 6 number.

8 4 6

o Enter the remaining lines until you get a picture like that shown below.
o Again, check to ensure that you entered all of the lines correctly: type '
LLIST ' into the command line
o If there are any lines which need to be changed, delete the line by typing
the following code: ' LDELE,# ' where # corresponds to the reference
number of the line. (This can be obtained from the list of lines). And then
re-enter the line (note: a new reference number will be assigned)

You should obtain the following:

7. Define the Type of Element

Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete > Add

As in the verification model, define the type of element (pipe16). As in the

verification model, don't forget to change Option K6 'Include Output' to obtain
extra force and moment output.

8. Define Geometric Properties

 Preprocessor > Real Constants > Add/Edit/Delete

Now specify geometric properties for the elements

Outside diameter OD: 25

Wall thickness TKWALL: 2

9. Element Material Properties

To set Young's Modulus and Poisson's ratio, we will again use the command line.
(ensure that the preprocessor menu is still open - if not open it by clicking
Preprocessor in the Main Menu)

MP, LAB, MAT, C0

Material Property,Valid material property label, Material
Reference Number, value

o To enter the Elastic Modulus (LAB = EX) of 70000 MPa, type: '
MP,EX,1,70000 '
o To set Poisson's ratio (PRXY), type ' MP,PRXY,1,0.33 '
10. Mesh Size

As in the verification model, set the element length to 20 mm

Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Cntrls > ManualSize > Lines > All Lines

11. Mesh

Now the frame can be meshed.

o In the 'Preprocessor' menu select 'Mesh' > 'Lines' and click 'Pick All' in
the 'Mesh Lines' Window

Saving Your Job

Utility Menu > File > Save as...

Solution Phase: Assigning Loads and Solving

Close the 'Preprocessor' menu and open up the 'Solution' menu (from the same 'ANSYS
Main Menu').

1. Define Analysis Type

Solution > Analysis Type > New Analysis... > Static

2. Apply Constraints
Once again, we will use the command line. We are going to pin (translational
DOFs will be fixed) the first keypoint and constrain the keypoints corresponding
to the rear wheel attachment locations in both the y and z directions. The
following is the command line format to apply constraints at keypoints.

DK, KPOI, Lab, VALUE, VALUE2, KEXPND, Lab2, Lab3, Lab4, Lab5,
Lab6
Displacement on K, K #, DOF label, value, value2, Expansion key,
other DOF labels

Not all of the fields are required for this example, therefore when entering the
code certain fields will be empty. For example, to pin the first keypoint enter:

DK,1,UX,0,,,UY,UZ

The DOF labels for translation motion are: UX, UY, UZ. Note that the 5th and 6th
fields are empty. These correspond to 'value2' and 'the Expansion key' which are
not required for this constraint. Also note that all three of the translational DOFs
were constrained to 0. The DOFs can only be contrained in 1 command line if the
value is the same.

To apply the contraints to Keypoint 5, the command line code is:

DK,5,UY,0,,,UZ

Note that only UY and UZ are contrained to 0. UX is not constrained. Again, note
that the 5th and 6th fields are empty because they are not required.

o Apply the constraints to the other rear wheel location (Keypoint 6 - UY

and UZ).
o Now list the constraints ('DKLIST') and verify them against the following:

If you need to delete any of the constraints use the following command:
'DKDELE, K, Lab' (ie 'DKDELE,1,UZ' would delete the constraint in the 'z'
direction for Keypoint 1)
3. Apply Loads

We will apply vertical downward loads of 600N at the seat post location
(keypoint 3) and 200N at the pedal crank location (keypoint 4). We will use the
command line to define these loading conditions.

FK, KPOI, Lab, value, value2

Force loads at keypoints, K #, Force Label directions (FX, FY,
FZ), value1, value2 (if req'd)

To apply a force of 600N downward at keypoint 3, the code should look like this:
' FK,3,FY,-600 '

Apply both the forces and list the forces to ensure they were inputted correctly
(FKLIST).

If you need to delete one of the forces, the code looks like this: 'FKDELE, K, Lab'
(ie 'FKDELE,3,FY' would delete the force in the 'y' direction for Keypoint 3)

The applied loads and constraints should now appear as shown below.

4. Solving the System

Solution > Solve > Current LS

Postprocessing: Viewing the Results
To begin Postprocessing, open the 'General Postproc' Menu

1. Deformation

Plot Results > Deformed Shape... 'Def + undef edge'

o You may want to try plotting this from different angles to get a better idea
what's going on by using the 'Pan-Zoom-Rotate' menu that was earlier
outlined.
o Try the 'Front' view button (Note that the views of 'Front', 'Left', 'Back', etc
depend on how the object was first defined).
o Your screen should look like the plot below:
2. Deflections

Now let's take a look at some actual deflections in the frame. The deflections have
been calculated at the nodes of the model, so the first thing we'll do is plot out the
nodes and node numbers, so we know what node(s) we're after.

o Go to Utility menu > PlotCtrls > Numbering... and turn on 'Node

numbers'. Turn everything else off.
o Note the node numbers of interest. Of particular interest are those nodes
where the constraints were applied to see if their displacements/rotations
were indeed fixed to zero. Also note the node numbers of the seat and
crank locations.
o List the Nodal Deflections (Main Menu > General Postproc > List
Results > Nodal Solution...'). Are the displacements and rotations as you
expected?
o Plot the deflection as well.

General Postproc > Plot Results > (-Contour Plot-) Nodal

Solution select 'DOF solution' and 'USUM' in the window
 o Don't forget to use more useful intervals.
3. Element Forces

We could also take a look at the forces in the elements in much the same way:

o Select 'Element Solution...' from the 'List Results' menu.

o Select 'Nodal force data' and 'All forces' from the lists displayed.
o Click on 'OK'.
o For each element in the model, the force/moment values at each of the two
nodes per element will be displayed.
o Close this list window when you are finished browsing.
o Then close the 'List Results' menu.
4. Stresses

As shown in the cantilever beam example, use the Element Table to gain access to
derived stresses.

o General Postproc > Element Table > Define Table ...

o Select 'Add'
o Select 'Stress' and 'von Mises'
o Element Table > Plot Elem Table
 o Again, select appropriate intervals for the contour plot
5. Bending Moment Diagrams

As shown previously, the bending moment diagram can be produced.

Select Element Table > Define Table... to define the table (remember SMISC,6
and SMISC,12)

And, Plot Results > Line Elem Res... to plot the data from the Element Table