Motorcycle Design Research Articles

Designer-oriented integrated simulation model for collaborative product development process

In order to reflect the initiative,autonomous and collaborative characteristics of the designer in collaborative product development process simulation,an integrated simulation model is formulated centered on the designer's intelligent agent model. Sub-models of designer,task,product information,resource and organization are defined and described.The designer's behavior protocols of the intelligent agent model are studies systematically.Thereafter,a product development process simulation platform is developed based on the agent model,which realizes visual designer-oriented modeling and simulation functions.A series of simulation experiments are carried out to validate the integrated simulation model.Finally,the model is applied to a motorcycle collaborative design project to optimize the organization factors.Designer-oriented simulation provides a quantitative and dynamic method to analyze human and organization factors in collaborative product development process.

Matharoo Associates (Gurjit Singh Matharoo)

AbstractThe recent work of Ahmedabad‐based Matharoo Associates reinvigorates the concrete language of Le Corbusier and Kahn, and the early works of Indian Modernists, but is rendered with a more slender and lighter disposition. Projects from private residences to public facilities brandish a rough, impenetrable shell that conceals a cocoon of animated space; a difference of materiality also amplifies the contrast. Gurjit Singh Matharoo brings to his practice his earlier experiences in Bhutan, Dubai and Locarno. He is also passionate about product design, especially automobiles, having designed mobile blood‐ donation vans and carried out research in advanced motorcycle design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Target and Challenge in High-Pressure Die-Cast Engineering from Viewpoint of Motorcycle Design

Target and Challenge in High-Pressure Die-Cast Engineering from Viewpoint of Motorcycle Design

Advances in motorcycle design and control

Advances in motorcycle design and control

Associative parametric CAE methods in the aircraft pre-design

Aircraft manufacturers are facing several challenges in the pre-design of aircraft structures. This early stage of the aircraft design has a very multi-disciplinary character. Different competence centres need input data, which is at this point in time to a large extent undefined. Therefore, a large variety of specialised tools is used in order to estimate and predict the required data. If these tools are not compatible, interface problems are the consequence. A permanent improvement of the applied processes with regard to the informal value as well as the applicability remains a continuous challenge. The objective of a collaboration project between Airbus Germany GmbH, the DLR Braunschweig, and the ETH Zurich is to find new methods and approaches to improve accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility of data prediction for primary aircraft structures. The use of modern CAE systems together with the integration of finite element methods into the early pre-design process is a very promising approach [F. Bianconi, P. Conti, N. Senin, D.R. Wallace, CAE systems and distributed design environments, in: XII ADM International Conference, Italy, 5–7 September, 2001 [2]; M. Pellicciari, G. Barbanti, A.O. Andrisano, Functional requirements for a modern CAD system, in: XII ADM International Conference, Italy, 5–7 September, 2001 [9]; T. Richter, H. Mechler, D. Schmitt, Integrated parametric aircraft design, in: ICAS 2002 Congress, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, TU Munich]. The modular and knowledge-based architecture of modern CAE systems allows to represent complex assemblies like aircraft structures by parametric associative and very dynamic models. Design knowledge can be integrated into the modelling [M. Mäntylä, S. Finger, T. Tomiyama, Knowledge Intensive CAD, vol. 2, Chapman & Hall, 1997 [8]] and different characteristics or individuals of the same structure can be mapped through parameters. This document presents concepts, which allow to design comprehensive digital models of novel aircraft structures whereas the level of the modelling detail shall be variegated flexibly [D.E. Whitney, R. Mantripragada, J.D. Adams, S.J. Rhee, Designing assemblies, Res. Engrg. Design 11 (1999) 229–253 [11]; P. Aspettati, S. Barone, A. Curcio, M. Picone, Parametric and feature-based assembly in motorcycle design: from preliminary development to detail definition, in: XII ADM International Conference, Italy, 5–7 September, 2001]. The strongly parameterised structures allow calculating and assessing different individuals of a given structure in a very efficient and automated way. This makes parametric associative structures very suitable for optimisation. After structural optimisation tasks have successfully been performed with parametric models [U.M. Fasel, O. König, M. Wintermantel, N. Zehnder, P. Ermanni, DynOPS – an approach to parameter optimization with arbitrary simulation software, Centre of Structure Technologies, ETH Zurich; O. König, R. Puisa, M. Wintermantel, P. Ermanni, CAD-entity based evolutionary design optimization, Centre of Structure Technologies, ETH Zurich, and VGTU, Faculty of Mechanics, Vilnius, Lithuania; U.M. Fasel, O. König, M. Wintermantel, P. Ermanni, Using evolutionary methods with a heterogeneous genotype representation for design optimization of a tubular steel trellis motorbike-frame, Centre of Structure Technologies, ETH Zurich], multi-disciplinary optimisations are gaining importance, since they have the potential to find global optima instead of the discipline-dependent optimal configurations and solutions.

Crotch rocket pelvic fractures

The change in trends in motorcycle design means that users of these machines are more prone to pelvic trauma if involved in a direct collision. The high riding fuel tank is in direct contact with the lower abdomen and pelvis when in the normal, prone, riding position. In a direct collision, the fuel tank is driven back into the pelvis. This causes fractures of the pubic rami with extensive soft tissue damage. In general, the accidents that cause these types of injuries are caused by sudden head-on collisions which occur without time to apply the breaks.

Topology optimisation on frames of electric motorcycles

As scientific and engineering studies advance, CAD and CAE are applied in engineering widely. But for wheeled device frame design engineers, how to sketch the frame efficiently and form it in optimisation at the same time is difficult. Until now, many engineers still find the optimal design by using FEA and Try and Error method. In this paper, a topology optimisation method, simple fully stressed design method (SFSD), that integrates fully stressed design (FSD) concept and commercial FEA software are presented to design frames. Engineers will reduce time on making a new frame design through this topology optimisation. Unlike executing conventional optimisation procedure, engineers do not need to calculate the sensitivity. That means engineers can integrate CAE with the frame sketch more efficiently. Currently, electric motorcycles are becoming more popular but there is a problem with weight. This paper illustrates the SFSD method with the frame design of electric motorcycles.

Design parameters study on the stability and perception of riding comfort of the electrical motorcycles under rider leaning

Owing to noticeable differences of the characters between the electrical and the conventional gasoline-powered motorcycles, such as heavier in weight, lower in mass center position and slower in forward speed, the control and design considerations of the electrical motorcycles are not the same as conventional motorcycles. In this paper, the rider upper body lean control system is considered as the only control action to analyze and simulate the stability and the perception of riding comfort of the rider–motorcycle system in different riding conditions and parameter designs. The equations of lateral motion of an electrical motorcycle, which includes the rider upper body leaning motion, are derived first from Newton mechanics. Via this dynamics model and its associated transfer functions at various speeds, perception of riding comfort is defined as the damping ratio of frequency domain Bode plots in classical control theory. By the analysis, we find that the tendency of the stability is the same under the straight-line and the cornering motions, but shows significant differences for different parameter designs of the electrical motorcycle. We discuss the effect on the perception of riding comfort issue for changing mass center position, total weight of the motorcycle, the wheelbase, the front fork rake angle and the front wheel trail distance of the motorcycle. On the premise of the stability, we use the maximum damping ratio to represent the riding response of the motorcycle to find the best perception of riding comfort. By the analysis results, if we move the mass center forward, shorten the wheelbase, steepen the front fork rake angle and shorten the front wheel trail distance of the current design of electrical motorcycles in the market, a better perception of riding comfort is achieved. From the user's point of view, our analysis method of perception of riding comfort can be a supplement to the analysis of the stability of motorcycles.

Motorcycle engine size and risk of moderate to fatal injury from a motorcycle crash

Current New Zealand law requires that motorcyclists with a learner or restricted licence ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 250 cc or less. Previous research has reported inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between cubic capacity and risk of a crash. We sought to determine: (1) compliance with the law; (2) if the risk of an injury crash is increased for learner/restricted licence holders who do not comply with the cubic capacity regulations; and (3) whether the risk of an injury crash increases with increasing capacity of the motorcycle. A population-based case-control study was conducted in the Auckland region over a 3 year period from February 1993. Among the controls, 66% were riding motorcycles with a capacity greater than 250 cc. The percentages for those with: full, learner and restricted, and no licence were 82, 29 and 60%, respectively. There was no evidence that learner and restricted licence holders who did not comply with the cubic capacity requirement were at increased risk. It should be noted however, that 75% of those who were complying were doing so on motorcycles of 250 cc or less. Relative to motorcycles of less than 250 cc the risk of an injury crash was elevated by at least 50% for all cubic capacity categories, with the exception of the 251–499 group. There was, however, no consistent pattern of increasing risk as cubic capacity increased. The findings of this study coupled with the fact that cubic capacity is a poor measure of power suggest that, if cubic capacity was to remain the sole basis for restricting learner and restricted licence holders, consideration should be given to having a substantially lower cubic capacity than 250 cc. An analysis of risk in terms of power to weight ratio and style of motorcycle may provide a more useful insight into the benefits of motorcycle design restrictions for novice riders.

Compliance with the 1992 California motorcycle helmet use law.

To evaluate helmet use in California before and after the introduction of an unrestricted helmet use law on January 1, 1992, observations of motorcycles and their riders were made at 60 locations in seven California counties, twice before and four times after the law was introduced. Helmet use increased from about 50% in 1991 to more than 99% throughout 1992. Compliance was achieved despite variations in helmet use by motorcycle design and road type. Seven percent of riders used nonstandard helmets after the law. With adequate enforcement, unrestricted helmet use laws can achieve almost 100% compliance and reduce the number of people riding motorcycles.

The epidemiology of fractured femurs and the effect of these factors on outcome

We have analysed 250 cases of fractured shaft of the femur with the objective of highlighting any preventative measures and anticipating morbidity associated with cause and type of injury. The younger patients typically injure themselves as pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists in Summer. The older patients tend to have falls in late Summer and Winter. The outcome varies depending on the cause, type and age of the injured person. The greatest morbidity was found in high-velocity accidents involving motorcyclists, pedestrians and car accidents. Knee flexion is a particular problem with these injuries and we are currently using continuous passive motion in conjunction with a continuous opiate infusion where this is likely to be a problem. The results also suggest that the mechanism of injury and its possible prevention, particularly in motorcycle design, could be as important as the type of treatment. Elderly females following falls also form a distinct group, suggesting that osteoporosis is a major factor with the best outcome associated with treatment by internal fixation. We feel that age alone should not be a reason for exclusion from intramedullary fixation and this merits further study.

Geographic distribution of fatal motorcycle crashes, by design type, in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties from 1983–85

The geographic distribution of fatal-injury motorcycle crashes for 1981 and newer model-year vehicles during 1983–1985 in three Southern California counties was determined. Exact crash sites were plotted on California Department of Transportation enlarged county road maps. The distributions of fatal crashes by location for racing and street-type motorcycles were generally similar. Racing prior to the fatal crash was identified in only 13 of the 441 crashes. Although the number of crashes for racing-design motorcycles compared with street-design vehicles was excessive, based upon 1985 registrations, there were no specific geographic locales with excess crashes by motorcycle design. The data suggest that the elevated crash occurrence of racing-design motorcycles does not predominantly result from their use for racing on canyon and mountainous roads.

A model for a rider-motorcycle system using fuzzy control

A rider-motorcycle system is a representative man-machine system in view of the major role that the rider plays in determining the performance of the integrated system. The handling property of motorcycles influences safety during riding. In the study, a motorcycle model subjected to fuzzy control representing rider's perception and action is investigated to facilitate motorcycle design. A mathematical model of three-dimensional (3D) multibody dynamics is constructed, which accounts for not only motorcycle structures but also the rider's posture change. The fuzzy controller based on control rules and fuzzy reasoning methods plays the role of the rider in a rider-motorcycle system. The fuzzy control is facilitated by the construction of look-up tables. A rider-motorcycle system undergoing circular motion is simulated. The study provides a viable means for computer-aided design of a representative man-machine control system. >

Motorcycle design and crash injuries in California, 1985 : Jess F. Kraus, Shakeh Arzenmanian, Craig L. Anderson, Steve Harrington, Proceedings of the Symposium on Motor Vehicle Injuries, December 7–8, 1987, New York, NY, 788–803.

Motorcycle design and crash injuries in California, 1985 : Jess F. Kraus, Shakeh Arzenmanian, Craig L. Anderson, Steve Harrington, Proceedings of the Symposium on Motor Vehicle Injuries, December 7–8, 1987, New York, NY, 788–803.

An Energy Method for the Identification of Mechanisms of Castor Instability with Particular Application to Motorcycles

Castor instabilities are a serious problem in several areas, particularly in motorcycle design. A clear understanding of the mechanisms of instability is necessary before the problem can be overcome. This paper describes a technique for assessing whether or not a particular mechanism can give rise to instabilities, and it is used to identify three new possible sources of wheel shimmy.

The Influence of the Suspension System on Motorcycle Weave-mode Oscillations

SUMMARY The vertical motions of a large motorcycle on its tyres and suspension system are analysed, and the possibility of one of the natural frequencies being close to that of the lateral oscillation, the weave mode, is demonstrated. Interactions between the vertical and lateral modes, and the implications for motorcycle design and development are discussed.

Computer-Aided Synthesis of Linkages—A Motorcycle Design Study

SYNOPSIS The geometry of current motorcycle rear suspension systems is such that the centre distance between the gearbox output sprocket and the rear wheel sprocket varies as the suspension deflects.

Experimental Investigation of the Parameters Affecting the Castor Stability of Road Wheels

The experimental testing of a model castoring wheel on a moving road surface is described. The stability of this steerable wheel was investigated as a function of various geometrical and physical parameters. A most important parameter was found to be the lateral stiffness of the system relative to the steering axis. Previous work has explained instability in terms of tyre behaviour, notably for aircraft landing gear, but in these tests a tyre-less wheel was used in an attempt to find a more fundamental cause. It was concluded that the overall lateral stiffness of the wheel system, of which tyre stiffness is one component, is important. The graphical results form a basis for improving the design of motorcycle and motor car front wheel assemblies.

A Survey of Current Motorcycle Design

A Survey of Current Motorcycle Design