OBJECTIVE
Surfboards are usually designed based on the experience of the shaper (builder and designer of surfboards) and in a traditional way through prototyping.
In addition to providing both manufacturers and sellers with sales arguments based on real numbers, even being able to personalize the tables according to the type of client.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANALYSIS
Choice of table
Choice of the board For this project a short surf board of traditional construction has been selected, whose characteristics are:
- dimensions of 6'0 x 19 x 23/8 ft
- built with 30 km / m³ density foam, wooden beam and laminated with fiberglass.
Analysis
The table has been modeled in 3D for its subsequent analysis in the FEA program (finite element analysis) where the results of the stresses in bending and torsion have been obtained.
The flex colloquially known as "flex" in the surfing community is generally referred to as the amount of center shift taking the ends of the board as a reference. Mainly, the flex influences the responsiveness and sense of movement of the board.
In the following images we can see the linear static analysis in bending with different results.
Displacement
Comparison of the result without deformation
Stress Von Mises
The twist of a board is known as the amount of rotation the board experiences from the center to the side rails. Normally less torsion results in a less reactive board and easier to surf, on the other hand an excess in torsion could result in a feeling of elasticity and lack of response. Broadly speaking, these measurements are influenced by the stiffness of the table.
In the following images we can see the linear static analysis in torsion with different results.
Displacement
Comparison of the result without deformation
Displacement of central wooden beam
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANALYSIS
These two tests are just one example of the possible evaluations that could be carried out on a surfboard. Another interesting study could be vibration analysis.
Currently the manufacture and design of surfboards has developed widely, giving rise to new construction solutions such as: multi-density foam, wooden parabolic beams or carbon ribbons. Tools such as the FEA simulation would help us evaluate new manufacturing technologies or improve current ones.
As previously mentioned, the introduction of simulations in the design spiral would have a positive impact on product innovation, reducing prototyping and manufacturing costs and shortening time to market. In addition to providing both manufacturers and sellers with sales arguments based on real numbers, even being able to personalize the tables according to the type of client or even the type of wave.
