HELP! Fully reversed load - definition?!! Application!?!?

Question

Hey,

What does it mean when the force is fully reversed?! Will the force/torque applied on the bike pedal/crank considered fully reversed?! I know it is, but I don't know why. In my analysis, I used weight of the rider as the only force applied to the pedal as it rotates, and that force is fully reversed to calculate factors of safety in the pedal/crank-arm.

How would I explain the logic behind that in the report?! Any ideas?

Thanks!

Answer 1

From your question it sounds like you are paniking.
You will understand you problem better, if you take a moment and think clearly.

Load is reversed means exactly what it says, the load is reversed. It is a litle unclear from your question what load, but If I understand you corectly then:

Say the ratchet on the back of the bike were to fail, then the bike would drive the cranks intead of the cranks driving the bike, the pedals would be powered up and down, and the rider's leg will get clobered. If you ananlyze the forces involved you might find out how hard, and if it is just an ouchy, or a broken leg. (this sort of thing happens when riding tandems all the time)