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Explore the innovative Michelin TweelTM concept applied to bicycle wheels, with a focus on composite materials and performance enhancements. The project involves analyzing feasibility, manufacturing processes, and testing results to improve maintenance costs and performance. Discover the potential of combining tire and wheel into one for a better biking experience.
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Composite TweelTMfor a Bicycle Aer E 423 Project KatarzynaSzemplinska 12/13/2008
Background • Michelin’s product development • Tire and wheel combined into one – TweelTM • TweelTM objectives • Replace conventional tires • Reduce maintenance costs • Improve performance
Project Description • Apply TweelTM concept to bicycle wheels • Analyze TweelTM feasibility and performance
Project Design • Different spoke designs • Multiple composite materials combinations • Assumptions: • Load is split equally between the two wheels • Load is applied vertically • Initial configuration: • Outer Rim Diameter = 24 in. • Inner Rim Diameter = 4 in. • Load per Wheel = 90 lbs.
Manufacturing • Spokes: Carbon fiber prepreg • 4-ply layup • Cured in an autoclave • Warping • Outer and Inner Rim: Fiberglass with Epoxy • 4-ply hand layup • Cured at room temperature • Spoke Reinforcement: Fiberglass with Epoxy • 2-ply hand layup • Cured at room temperature • Mold Structure: Styrofoam • Hand cut
Testing • Compression testing • MTS testing machine • Preliminary testing: Spoke
Testing • TweelTM Compression Testing
Results • Spoke bending was successful • Rim/spoke interface strength was not sufficient • Outer rim flexibility needs to be eliminated • Load transfer to spokes • Concept is feasible • Performance evaluation with improved design