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  4. Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026

Development and Validation of a Standardized Bicycle Finite Element Model Based on ISO Standards

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DOI: 10.23977/jemm.2026.110120 | Downloads: 3 | Views: 96

Author(s)

Lijuan He 1, Bo Yang 1

Affiliation(s)

1 School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China

Corresponding Author

Lijuan He

ABSTRACT

Vehicle-to-bicycle impact simulation analyses require bicycle models with consistent geometric parameters, deformable structural responses, and reliable validation data. Existing studies have often adopted multi-body bicycle models or finite element models reconstructed from specific physical bicycles. These models can satisfy accident reconstruction and scenario-specific analyses, but limitations remain in the uniformity of geometric sources, model reproducibility and structural validation criteria. In this study, a standardized bicycle finite element model was developed according to the geometric requirements for bicyclist targets specified in ISO 19206-4:2020. A two-dimensional parametric wireframe sketch was first established using key reference points, including the bottom bracket center, wheel centers, frame nodes, handlebar, saddle and pedal-related locations. A three-dimensional CAD model was then constructed in SolidWorks, followed by mesh generation, material assignment and connection modeling in ANSA. The model was mainly discretized using shell elements, with a global mesh size of 8 mm and local refinement to 4 mm in key connection regions. Revolute joints and constrained nodal rigid body connections were used to represent rotational pairs and local rigid connections, respectively. The final model contained 78,249 elements. Drop-weight and free-fall impact simulations were conducted according to the frame and fork test methods specified in ISO 4210-6:2023. The maximum permanent deformation was 6.1 mm in the drop-weight test and 2.0 mm in the free-fall test, both below the corresponding standard limits. The results indicate that the developed model has a clear standardized geometric basis, reasonable connection definitions and stable component-level structural response, providing a basis for vehicle-to-bicycle impact simulations and active-safety test-scenario development.

KEYWORDS

Standardized Bicycle Model, Finite Element Modeling, Geometric Parameterization, Structural Response Validation

CITE THIS PAPER

Lijuan He, Bo Yang. Development and Validation of a Standardized Bicycle Finite Element Model Based on ISO Standards. Journal of Engineering Mechanics and Machinery (2026). Vol. 11, No. 1, 218-228. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/jemm.2026.110120.

REFERENCES

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[2] Tan, Z., Guo, Y., Li, G., et al. (2020) Kinematics and Injury Mechanism of Cyclist Lower Limb in Vehicle-to-Bicycle Collisions. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 20, 2050035.
[3] Wang, F., Wu, J., Hu, L., et al. (2022) Evaluation of the Head Protection Effectiveness of Cyclist Helmets Using Full-Scale Computational Biomechanics Modelling of Cycling Accidents. Journal of Safety Research, 80, 109-134.
[4] Nie, J. and Yang, J.K. (2014) A Study of Bicyclist Kinematics and Injuries Based on Reconstruction of Passenger Car-Bicycle Accident in China. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 71, 50-59.
[5] Covill, D., Begg, S., Elton, E., et al. (2014) Parametric Finite Element Analysis of Bicycle Frame Geometries. Procedia Engineering, 72, 441-446.
[6] Nakahara, R., Suzuki, Y., Takeuchi, N., et al. (2019) Influence of Bicycle Deformation and Type on Head Injury Values of a Cyclist in a Car-to-Bicycle Collision. International Journal of Automotive Engineering, 10, 316-323.
[7] Wu, H., Han, Y., Wang, B., et al. (2022) The Difference in the Kinematic and Injury Risk of Cyclists between Normal and Emergency Avoidance Postures in Vehicle Collisions. International Journal of Crashworthiness, 28, 82-95.
[8] ISO 19206-4:2020. (2020) Road Vehicles - Test Devices for Target Vehicles, Vulnerable Road Users and Other Objects, for Assessment of Active Safety Functions - Part 4: Requirements for Bicyclist Targets. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva.
[9] ISO 4210-6:2023. (2023) Cycles - Safety Requirements for Bicycles - Part 6: Frame and Fork Test Methods. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva.

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