Low Velocity Impact Assessment of a Carbon Fiber Bicycle Wheel

Carbon fiber bicycle wheels were tested under low velocity impact to monitor the damage evolution of the impact event. A wheel model designed by KQS Inc. (industrial partner) with eight different configurations, including spoke tension, number of spokes, and location of impact on the rim were investigated. IR thermography combined with PCA was used to monitor the damage during impact. Results showed that wheels in line with spokes had 16% higher impact energy absorption compared to those impacted in between spokes on average (58.9 J vs 70.2 J). The 20 spoked wheels had a slightly higher (6%) impact energy absorption than the 24 spoked wheels. The added stiffness due to the extra spokes reduced the impact energy absorption of rim. Wheels with higher spoke tension also had slightly improved impact energy absorption (4%). The test protocol established in this study provides a good understanding of the wheel’s impact damage evolution.