Finite Element Analysis of Bicycle Crank Arm on the Mechanical Aspect

Abstract

The demand for increased performance both in the professional and amateur sectors and the inclusion of the bicycle in the city as a clean, silent, inexpensive, and healthy personal transport, is responsible for the technological growth of the industry. This study aims to analyze the effect of the design parameters on the bicycle crank arm and to find the best design value within the range for minimal defects. The strength of the structure design is significant to ensure the performance of the bicycle crank arms. To solve this problem, several design structures and parameters were studied. The selected parameters in this study are crank arm length, width, thickness, number of cranks spider, and rib design. Von-misses stress, strain, and displacement are selected as dependent variables. Aluminium Alloy 6061-T6 is the selected material in this study. The external load of 1000 N force was applied in the y-direction. The length analysis results show that 160 mm length, 30 mm width, and 10 mm thickness with five crank spiders and pocket design arm have the lowest stress, strain, and displacement. By bringing a new alternative to the crank's arm structure, the cost of the manufacture will be reduced. At the same time, it can help precisely improve the rigidity of producing complex 3D shapes.