Composite River Surfboard - Production Technologies for Composite Parts
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Composite River Surfboard - Production Technologies for Composite Parts
The aim of this practical training was to design, manufacture and test a composite part to learn the basics of laboratory work and fibre composite processing. This training was mainly focused on the correct procedure to use in a laboratory such as safety and use of the tools. More specifically, the requirements of this project were to build a light and tough, high-quality surfboard using recent composite technology. The goal was also to reduce the toxicity linked to the process.
These goals were reached by using a vacuum infusion process instead of the classical hand laminating process. This method allows to increase the fibre volume content of the surfboard and decrease its weight. Carbon and aramid fibre were also used in addition to the glass fibre. This design helped to reduce the weight further while increasing the stiffness of the board.
Finally, the prototypes were subjected to a series of tests including impact, flexion and torsion as well as a field test to compare it to a commercial surfboard.
