Today we did some potentially destructive testing on a DOTT trike frame. (Note that all of these tests were performed without the additional strength of a “Haiti Brace” installed. The Haiti brace is an extra support welded into the frame below the seat that helps to strengthen the trike frame. All current HWI trikes use this brace.)
These tests at HWI were done in parallel with the Solidworks computer stress analysis reports compiled by the students at Messiah College.
The intention was to provide us with a feel, both practically and theoretically for how strong the design was, and to help identify any weaknesses in the design. Unfortunately, we ran out of weight for the test as we approached 900 pounds. We really did not expect to get that far.
Our future tests will involve actually overloading the trike to see what parts do fail first.
As well as providing valuable theoretical analysis of the trike design, the students at Messiah College were able to identify the likelihood that most of our trike frame would still be strong enough even if we used a slightly smaller diameter of tubing. Thanks again to the students and staff at Messiah College for their work and suggestions.
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- Stress Testing with 640 pounds
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- StressDestructive Testing 760 pounds
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- Stress Testing with 960 pounds
