OpenEbike - open source frame design

[wturber]

I don't think that's a particularly relevant loading simulation for a bicycle. One thing I find interesting though, is the degree of deformation at the ends of the hexagonal design as compared to the triangular design. Give that degree of deformation, I'd expect to see some colored indication of high stress there. But maybe I don't understand the point of the coloring scheme.

 

[Buk___]

Here is the simulation of both structures. Triangles are in fact stronger.

Conditions of experiment
Dimensions of beams - 548x60x10 mm
Distance of support points - 524 mm
Strength applied - 1000 N
Weight of a each single beam - 1.005 kg (mass exactly the same)
Material for calculations - steel

If you want to see the real difference between hexagons and triangle, look what happens when:

a) you apply shear. That is, one sideplate moving left, the other right.
b) you apply torsion. Twisting the headstock relative to the seat tube.