Lightweighting is crucial in various industries, especially for bicycles where weight and stiffness are key. Traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and carbon each have pros and cons. This study compares hybrid tubes made of aluminum and carbon composites with conventional aluminum tubes. Using structural analysis and experimental testing, the hybrid tubes showed a weight reduction of up to 17.25% and maintained acceptable deformation levels. Finite element analysis confirmed these findings, demonstrating the hybrid tubes' potential as superior bicycle frame materials. Future research should focus on long-term durability and fatigue characteristics.
The latest weight reduction research of automotive industry and technology was improved. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the composite frame to manufacture the floor assembly of commercial vehicle. The design of subframe incorporated into the floor module was determined by FEM(Finite Element Method) simulation. The mechanical properties used for the simulations were obtained from the tests for samples of glass fiber/epoxy composites. We made two kinds of pultrusion products, one was aluminum profile, the other was unidirectional composites with aluminum profile. Based on the results from the simulation and bending test, the design of the subframe was finally determined prior to adoption of the commercial vehicle floor.