A Designing Methodology for Bicycle Frames Using the Topology Optimization Method

Resumo

This work aims to present a methodology to design bicycle frames using the topology optimization
method. The goal is to find an optimized layout of a structure within a specified fixed domain, applying known
quantities (loads, support conditions and design restrictions) as boundary conditions. The optimization problem
is written to obtain the minimum structural compliance with a given final mass and it was solved using the
Sequential Convex Programming method (SCP). To simplify the process, the problem was divided into two
steps. The first step consisted of performing a topology optimization analysis on a two-dimensional model. The
result was then adapted into a three-dimensional domain on which the last optimization was performed to
achieve the final geometry. Several combinations of load conditions were applied, and the obtained design was
post-processed through a finite element analysis to check the structure’s response. Results show that the
proposed methodology can produce stiff and lightweight frames with reduced mass and unusual designs.