Design Methodology for the Utilisation of A Structural Orthotropic Composite Materials by Micro-Enterprises

Lake, Kelvin (2021) Design Methodology for the Utilisation of A Structural Orthotropic Composite Materials by Micro-Enterprises. Doctoral thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

This work demonstrates how numerical techniques could be used by Micro-Enterprises to deliver better products. This is demonstrated by taking lessons in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), that have been learnt from other industries and applying them to the case study of developing a kitesurf board. This work discusses if this is possible, the benefits of doing this, and how to develop products in such a way. Material properties for the composite used in this study are established through correlation to vibration tests and then verified through ultrasonic testing techniques and these are then fed into the numerical techniques used subsequently in the case study presented. Numerical techniques show how a product should be manufactured so that it has the desirable mechanical responses that are initially established in this work. It then goes on to show how typical boards would behave in this environment and also shows that the proposed product is fit for purpose. To verify the proposed methodology, scale representations of the physical products discussed are manufactured and tested. An arbitrarily laid-up representation of a kitesurf board is manufactured and tested. An alternative board that has the same structural characteristics is developed and manufactured using the proposed design methodology. The board that is developed using the proposed design methodology is shown to be more efficient whilst maintaining the desirable structural characteristics in both the FE models and the physical parts. However, the cost of the hardware and the software required may currently be prohibitive for Mirco-Enterprises to apply to structural orthotropic composite materials.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Finite Element Analysis, Optimisation, Optimization, Mirco-Enterprises, Composites, kitesurfing
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery T Technology > TS Manufactures
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Doctoral Theses
Depositing User:	Kelvin Lake
Date Deposited:	17 Sep 2021 09:20
Last Modified:	09 Dec 2022 10:45
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/1780

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