I'm working on a design for an electric bike

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of an electric bike, specifically focusing on the need for simulation software to test and compare various design elements. Participants explore different types of simulations, including mechanical and electrical aspects, while seeking recommendations for suitable tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a free simulation tool to develop and test an electric bike design, expressing a desire to compare variations.
  • Another participant clarifies whether the simulation needed is for the electrical components or for mechanical aspects, suggesting tools like SPICE for electrical simulations and FEA packages for mechanical simulations.
  • A participant indicates interest in simulating a simple version of a tire and altering it to observe different outputs, but expresses uncertainty about the specifics of the simulation.
  • Further details are provided regarding the simulation needs, including the position and size of magnets, electromagnets, and the requirement for the simulation to depict spinning and electrical flow.
  • Participants mention various simulation packages, including SPICE, COMSOL, and ANSYS, and inquire about the user's previous experiences with simulation tools.
  • One participant shares their past experience with a CAD CAM program that lacked the necessary features for simulating electronics and motion, emphasizing the need for a more suitable solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on a specific simulation tool, and multiple views on the types of simulations needed remain. The discussion includes varying opinions on the requirements for effective simulation software.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their previous simulation experiences, highlighting the need for software that can integrate both mechanical and electrical components effectively. There are unresolved questions regarding the specific features and capabilities desired in a simulation tool.

happy_hipster
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I'm working on a design for an electric bike. I need a free sim I can download to develop it: test it, see it work and compare varations. God bless and thank you in advance,

-Hip

PS, I looked for a "search the forums" feature, but was unable to locate it, it needs to be more prominant if it exists.
 
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happy_hipster said:
I'm working on a design for an electric bike. I need a free sim I can download to develop it: test it, see it work and compare varations. God bless and thank you in advance,

-Hip

PS, I looked for a "search the forums" feature, but was unable to locate it, it needs to be more prominant if it exists.

Welcome to the PF. Yeah, the Search feature is not real prominent, but it's near the upper right of the display, 3rd selection from the right on that top line of selections.

On your question -- are you wanting to simulate the electric/electronic part (like with SPICE), or are you looking to do a mechanical simulation with some FEA package?
 


Id just like to build a simple version of one tire, and then alter it to see the outputs on the variants. Hope this helps. I'm new to this.

-hip
 


happy_hipster said:
Id just like to build a simple version of one tire, and then alter it to see the outputs on the variants. Hope this helps. I'm new to this.

-hip

Sorry, I'm still not tracking. Are you talking about mechanically simulating something about the tire/wheel? What variants?
 


Position, size of magnets, electromagnets, speeds, voltage inputs

As far as mechanically simulating, I need it to spin, the electricity to flow, the magnets to push and pull the spin...

This idea may help you have a electric dirtbike...
 


There should be a resource for this somewhere...
 


happy_hipster said:
There should be a resource for this somewhere...

There are many simulation packages. SPICE for electrical simulations, and COMSOL, ANSYS, etc., for FEA simulation.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=178848&page=26

What simulation packages have you looked at? What did you like and dislike about them?
 


What I had was a cad cam program. It wasn't upscaleable enough, had no electronics or motion, and generally wasn't what I was looking for.

What I am looking for would make it possible to represent a working, moving bicycle, add electroinic componants, designate permanant magnet strengths, and then give me outputs of flux and voltage when set in motion.

It would also help if it was cheap or free.
 

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