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In‐Field Measurement of Forces and Deformations at the Rear End of a Motorcycle and Structural Optimisation: Experimental–Numerical Approach Aimed at Structural Optimisation
Author(s) -
Olmi G.,
Freddi A.,
Croccolo D.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
strain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.477
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1475-1305
pISSN - 0039-2103
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-1305.2007.00398.x
Subject(s) - displacement (psychology) , suspension (topology) , bending , structural engineering , finite element method , engineering , set (abstract data type) , line (geometry) , field (mathematics) , mechanical engineering , computer science , mathematics , geometry , psychology , homotopy , pure mathematics , psychotherapist , programming language
The present study concerns the analysis of the asymmetric displacement behaviour of the rear part of a motorcycle. Stylistic reasons led to the design of a vehicle with only one suspension located on the left‐hand side. Experimental tests performed on a circuit with seven obstacles along a straight line confirmed that the bending displacement is higher on the right‐hand side than on the left. This study aimed to perform a structural optimisation of the components involved at the rear end of the motorcycle, to find a solution to the problem. A hybrid approach is applied: the force acting on the suspension and bending displacements at the rear end were simultaneously measured in working conditions; a finite‐element method model was then set up, validated and applied for design optimisation purposes. Both methodological aspects and applicative results are presented and discussed. Finally, a solution in accordance with design specifics is proposed.