3. RESULTS
3.1 Application of Sphere (stress gauge) Influences to the Selected Point
For the validation considered equivalent stress(Von-Mises). Point was selected on the surface of the crank 150mm from the end point. For that point, equivalent stress(Von- Mises) was observed using FEA design modeller and hand calculation. Hand calculated value and FEA values were used to validate the model.
Default stress of that the selected point (150mm from end) is 283.8MPa. 5mm sphere was formed around the selected point and studied behavior of sphere influence. Selected 4mm,3mm,2mm,1mm and 0.5mm and refinement was done to find a convergence value if equivalent stress. Equivalent stress values were different with default mesh values for the validation.
From above graph selected 308MPa as the convergence of Von-Mises or Equivalent stress.
3.2 Reasons for Deviations of Equivalent Stress:
The crank was considered as a beam with rectangular cross section. In real case it is not a rectangular and by the side there are two circular holes. For hand calculations those holes were neglected and considered both were filled with material. In hand calculation considered all edges were sharpen but in CAD model there were no sharp edges all are curved.
Mass and volume of the two sections were different.
Geometry was different in both cases. In hand calculation not considered any chamfers and curved surfaces but considered all in FEA
3.3 Design Changes
According to above figure there is maximum stress in sharp edges in the crank near to fixed hole so need to apply some fillets on sharp edges and more thicken near to fixed hole than the pedal fixing hole by adding material ( crank has a tapered shape).
In between crank and pedal, the contacting point there is also maximum stress. To reduce the stress need to increase the area of the shaft. So it can be tapered after passing that point. If not, weight of the crank will increase and it can be caused to increase the cost and finally need to have high cycling power
At the end points of the crank and pedal there are sharp corners should be chamfered to reduce the stress.
Lightness and stiffness also important parameters should be controlled. Lightness of the crank is important. Materials can be reduced from bottom side of the crank. Then power required to cycling the bicycle is less. That is an advantage for patient who rides the bicycle.