In the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, students are working on an innovative vision of a bicycle. In the
”Electric Eel“ project, the lightweight material carbon is combined with piezoelectronic ceramics from the field of intelligent materials. Vibrations in the frame of the bicycle produce electrical charge transfers as a result of mechanical deformation (the piezoelectric effect). The electrical energy generated in this way can be used for various applications, without additional power sources. The principle is similar to that of an electric eel, that emits current impulses through electric organs.
"Against a background of safety and warranty aspects, the importance of load monitoring systems will increase drastically in many areas of machine and vehicle construction, as will optimization of maintenance cycles.
Various sensors are suitable, depending on the application. Whereas currently, investigations are carried out for mechanical engineering applications with strain gages, the benefit of the piezoelectric effect for a bicycle is primarily to avoid heavy batteries" Prof. Dr. Alexander Horoschenkoff, Project Leader at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich
Before attaching the piezoelectric modules, we measure the deformation of the components under different loads (hopping, out-ofsaddle riding, braking) with linear strain gages and strain gage rosettes. The carbon components are carefully polished with 220-grit sandpaper until the first carbon fibers come to the surface and the strain gages can then be installed with the cold-hardening adhesive, Z70. Two Spider8 amplifiers with catman® software are used to record the deformation on the forks and handlebars.
To develop the chassis, the students planned a roller type test bench to allow them to investigate the control of the damping valve. The deformation of the CRP rear swinging fork, the displacement during deflection and the piezoelectric signal are all measured.
HBK strain gages, displacement transducers, force transducers and measuring amplifiers as well as software are used here.
…is a complex, mechatronic system that should not require any outside power sources. The erection of the roller-type test bench is a prerequisite for informed investigation of the interaction between the deflection, the valve switching and the damping effect.
Each year, more than 2,500 international students and researchers join our academic community in one of Germany’s most beautiful, historic, and high-tech cities. We offer the best possible support to help you feel at home in Germany, in Munich, and at our university. Discover practice-based programmes for global careers at HM!
Strain gauges are the key asset for measuring fatigue and testing materials for better and safer products. Whether it is in structural durability testing, structural health monitoring, or the production of OEM transducers, HBK's optical and electrical strain gauges are the first choice.
HBK weighing technology is synonymous with precision, safety, dependability, and quality. The brand stands for innovative capacity as well as flexible and cost-effective solutions that meet virtually any customer requirement. We are also committed to the promotion and advancement of hygiene in relevant industries. Our load cells have set the standard for decades. Whether it is analog or digital load cells, single point load cells or bending beam load cells – it’s your choice! In addition, we offer the right weighing electronics and matching accessories for your application.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
