Source: vanRaam

The LEVA-EU member recently gave an insight into research on a mathematical model that can be used to optimise the design of its bikes.

Mees de Groot is a final-year student of Automotive Engineering at the HAN University of Applied Sciences, with specialisations in Structural Design and Vehicle Technology.

He took up a graduation internship in vanRaam’s R&D department, where he has been examining what happens to the forces of multi-track bikes, which are bicycles equipped with multiple wheel tracks. For Mees’ research he is studying the forces of a bicycle with two front wheels and one rear wheel.

For testing, he has built his own test bike for measuring how the forces effect the frame and wheels.

Through this measurement data and existing research, Mees has been developing a model that enables vanRaam engineers to calculate force distribution in a bicycle. The model will consider factors such as the bike’s weight, the position of the center of gravity, distance between the wheels, and the bike’s length.

vanRaam has stated that Mees’ model will help its engineers to innovate new models and optimise existing bicycles.

Mees is delighted to have gained a valuable and meaningful educational experience at vanRaam, saying,“The great thing is that I not only gain an educational experience, but can also really contribute to the design process of the special vanRaam bicycles. In this way, I contribute to the freedom of less mobile people.”