Fatigue assessment of a titanium bicycle frame using finite element modeling

This study investigates the structural behavior and fatigue performance of a titanium bicycle frame subjected to a loading condition specified by the ISO 4210 standard. A finite element (FE) model of the frame was developed and validated through experimental static tensile testing. The FE model was then used to evaluate the fatigue strength of the frame using the Sines criterion. For each FE node, the hydrostatic stress associated with the mean load in the cycle and the von Mises stress corresponding to the load amplitude were combined. The analysis revealed high stress levels in the top tube, down tube, and head tube regions. A reinforcement strategy based on increasing the tube thickness in these areas was assessed using FE analysis, demonstrating improved compliance with the fatigue requirements.