Study Of Impack Loading Simulation On Bicycle Helmets From Polymeric Foam Materials Reinforced By Coconut Fibers Using Ansys 16.0 Software

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 139 views

Study of Impact Loading Simulation on Bicycle Helmets from Polymeric Foam Materials Reinforced by Coconut Fibers using Ansys 16.0 Software

Bicycle helmets are a crucial protective gear for cyclists, designed to safeguard the driver's head in the event of a fall and minimize the risk of injury due to collisions. However, the materials used in making bicycle helmets today tend to be expensive, resulting in high production costs and selling prices. In response to the growing awareness of the importance of driving safety, researchers have been exploring alternative materials that are more economical and environmentally friendly. One such innovative ingredient is powder from coconut fibers, an abundant raw material often overlooked as waste.

The use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets has gained attention in recent years due to its potential to provide effective protection while being more environmentally friendly than conventional materials. Coconut fibers are a byproduct of the coconut industry, and their use can help reduce waste and promote sustainability. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact loading simulation on bicycle helmets made from polymeric foam reinforced with coconut fibers using Ansys 16.0 software.

The simulation was carried out on a bicycle helmet specimen modeled using SolidWorks 2012. The simulation tested the impact on the upper side, side, and front of the helmet, with the objective of determining the voltage distribution on the helmet. The simulation results were then compared with experimental testing results to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation.

The simulation results showed that at a height of 1.5 meters, the maximum voltage produced was as follows:

On the top side of the helmet, the maximum voltage reached 1.83 MPa
On the side, the maximum voltage was 1.27 MPa
In the front position, the maximum voltage was 1.41 MPa

To compare the simulation results with experimental testing, the maximum voltage value obtained in the free fall test showed a slightly different result:

On the top side, the maximum voltage was 1.96 MPa
On the side, the maximum voltage was 1.30 MPa
In the front position, the maximum voltage was 1.60 MPa

The difference between the maximum voltage of the simulation and experimentation on each side of the helmet showed a relatively small result:

0.13 MPa (6.63%) for the upper side
0.03 MPa (2.30%) for the side
0.18 MPa (11.25%) for the front side

The results of this study demonstrate that the use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material on a bicycle helmet can be a promising alternative. In addition to providing effective protection, this material is also more environmentally friendly than conventional materials. This study opens opportunities for the development of a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet, and can reduce waste from unused coconut fiber. Thus, this study not only contributes to the safety of cyclists, but also supports environmental preservation efforts.

In conclusion, this research succeeded in proving that a bicycle helmet made of polymeric foam which was strengthened by coconut fibers could provide adequate protection. The simulation results using Ansys 16.0 showed good compatibility with experimental testing results, making it an innovative solution that was appropriate to be adopted in the cycling safety equipment industry.

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research should be conducted to explore the potential of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets.
The development of a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet using coconut fibers should be pursued.
The use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other safety equipment, such as helmets for other sports, should be investigated.

This study has several limitations, including:

The simulation was carried out on a single specimen, and further testing is needed to confirm the results.
The study only investigated the impact loading simulation on a bicycle helmet made from polymeric foam reinforced with coconut fibers, and further research is needed to explore the potential of this material in other applications.

Future research should focus on:

Investigating the potential of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other safety equipment, such as helmets for other sports.
Developing a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet using coconut fibers.
Exploring the use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other applications, such as in the automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Impact Loading Simulation on Bicycle Helmets from Polymeric Foam Materials Reinforced by Coconut Fibers using Ansys 16.0 Software

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact loading simulation on bicycle helmets made from polymeric foam reinforced with coconut fibers using Ansys 16.0 software.

Q: What are the benefits of using coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets? A: The use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets can provide effective protection while being more environmentally friendly than conventional materials. Coconut fibers are a byproduct of the coconut industry, and their use can help reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Q: How was the simulation carried out? A: The simulation was carried out on a bicycle helmet specimen modeled using SolidWorks 2012. The simulation tested the impact on the upper side, side, and front of the helmet, with the objective of determining the voltage distribution on the helmet.

Q: What were the results of the simulation? A: The simulation results showed that at a height of 1.5 meters, the maximum voltage produced was as follows:

On the top side of the helmet, the maximum voltage reached 1.83 MPa
On the side, the maximum voltage was 1.27 MPa
In the front position, the maximum voltage was 1.41 MPa

Q: How did the simulation results compare with experimental testing results? A: The simulation results showed good compatibility with experimental testing results, with a relatively small difference between the maximum voltage of the simulation and experimentation on each side of the helmet.

Q: What are the implications of this study? A: This study demonstrates that the use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material on a bicycle helmet can be a promising alternative. It opens opportunities for the development of a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet, and can reduce waste from unused coconut fiber.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: This study has several limitations, including:

The simulation was carried out on a single specimen, and further testing is needed to confirm the results.
The study only investigated the impact loading simulation on a bicycle helmet made from polymeric foam reinforced with coconut fibers, and further research is needed to explore the potential of this material in other applications.

Q: What are the future directions of this research? A: Future research should focus on:

Investigating the potential of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other safety equipment, such as helmets for other sports.
Developing a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet using coconut fibers.
Exploring the use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other applications, such as in the automotive industry.

Q: How can this research be applied in real-world scenarios? A: This research can be applied in real-world scenarios by:

Developing a more economical and sustainable bicycle helmet using coconut fibers.
Reducing waste from unused coconut fiber.
Exploring the use of coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in other safety equipment, such as helmets for other sports.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets? A: The potential benefits of using coconut fibers as a reinforcing material in bicycle helmets include:

Providing effective protection while being more environmentally friendly than conventional materials.
Reducing waste from unused coconut fiber.
Promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the bicycle helmet industry.