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Click
here to download Macintosh Bicycle movie
Note that you need to have Movie Player Software to play this movie
Click
here to download IBM compatible movie
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Click
here to PLAY Macintosh Quicktime VR Interactive movie
Note that you need to have Quicktime VR software and plug-ins to use
this demo
All Animations & Simulations created by Raymond Chuk
 MTS load testing machine |
Static Component Testing: Using one of the two available MTS Testing Systems, components such as seat posts, handlebars and pedal cranks can be tested for either stiffness or failure strength. Also, custom component testing can be performed for any specialized application. These testing systems are accurate devices used for applying loads to test specimens and then measuring the input load as well as the output strains and deformations The load testing can be performed either in static or fatigue mode. This type of test is ideal for component evaluation for stiffness, strength, fatigue life, or for evaluation of repeatability and quality control for a batch of identical components. |
Frame Testing: A special frame testing machine is available for submitting bicycle frames to various loading conditions such as in-plane and torsion. The in-plane behaviour and torsional rigidity are two important factors which determine the performance of a bicycle frame. This is an ideal method for evaluating and comparing frames in a reproducible manner. |
 Torsion testing of a road frame |
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On-Road Dynamic Testing: Using a specially designed portable data acquisition system, on-road dynamic testing can be performed. This means that bicycles can be tested under actual riding conditions. First the bicycle is equipped with accelerometers and/or strain gauges. These transducers are wired to the data acquisition system which fits into a small backpack. Data is stored during actual test rides and can be downloaded to a computer later. Data processing will reveal the stress and vibration loads of key areas of the bicycle. This type of testing yields valuable information about the performance of a bicycle. One ideal application would be for the evaluation of various suspension systems being proposed for mountain bikes. |
Versatile Component Tester: A special testing machine, based on pneumatics, is available for submitting bicycle forks and other bicycle components to various static and fatigue loading conditions. The in-plane load can be applied at any angle and can test for different applied loading conditions. Input loads can be static, sinusoidal, or quasi-impact. The device is connected to a computer controlled data acquisition system. |
 Fork fatigue testing machine |
 Finite element modeling of a road frame |
Analysis Services: Expertise exists for stress and failure analysis of advanced materials and structures. Advanced finite element software is used operating on a network of workstations. Components or systems that are still in the design phase can be evaluated under different loading conditions. Expertise is available for design using either conventional materials or advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar. |
| Composite Materials: Special emphasis is placed on the development of lightweight, high-tech composite structures for the bicycle industry. Zen Composites is ready to work on special projects involve complex structures using composite materials. Four advanced bicycle frame prototypes have been produced so far. |
 Composite racing bicycle |
| Latest update: August 25, 2000 | |||
| Report problems to: Larry Lessard | Created on a Macintosh
computer  |
