When Composite materials are made into useful structures, metallic interfaces and inserts are often required for joining with bearings and moving parts. However, not all materials are compatible with composite materials due to problems of stiffness mismatch and galvanic corrosion.
Titanium is a good candidate for high-tech, fatigue resistant, compatible joints.
This project involves research into methods used to make good connections out of titanium and graphite. The standards include both static and fatigue testing of frames, handlebars, and forks. Many of these standards will be developed in the Composites Laboratory as part of an on-going research in the design of bicycle structures. Bicycle Testing Machines for testing frames, forks, and other components will be developed in the laboratory. The design and manufacturing of an advanced composite structure will be performed by using a carbon fiber bicycle frame as an example.