BICYCLE HANDLEBAR DESIGN WITH HIGH DAMPING FACTOR USING NATURAL COMPOSITES

This study considers the design and development of a sport good with structural and vibration damping requirements, such as a bicycle handlebar. The methodology developed and the gained experience can later be applied to other types of sport goods. The study begins with the selection and subsequent characterisation of sustainable material systems, as well as their comparison with other conventional materials. For this purpose, the mechanical properties and the damping factor of the material were analysed in both flat and tubular samples, taking into account the orientation of the reinforcement fibers. The experimental results are used in the development of the handlebar, simulating by means of finite elements the structural behaviour under the load cases established in the standard, and the vibrational response. Once this behaviour has been optimised, prototypes are manufactured using both composite materials with natural reinforcements, in this case flax, and carbon fiber reinforcements. The prototypes are tested to validate and compare the behaviour at component level and the necessary improvements are proposed in order to comply with all the specifications that this type of product must meet. Keywords: Natural composites; sustainability; vibration damping; cycling.