Analysis, manufacturing, testing, and structural optimization of a novel composite kiteboard design

A novel foam core sandwich composite kiteboard design was developed, manufactured, tested, and optimized for weight. An innovative geometry was developed to improve performance under the demanding operating conditions experienced by waterborne kiteboards. A computer-aided design model was built and used to produce a tool, which was used in the construction of a prototype kiteboard. The prototype was tested under three-point bend loading, with full-field strain measurements recorded during the test. Both shell and solid finite element models of the kiteboard were developed and validated via comparison with the test data, where the composite material properties used in the models were obtained via coupon tests. The validated shell finite element model was then used in conjunction with the HyperSizer aerospace composite design software to optimize the kiteboard design for minimum weight, while also checking a wide array of composite and sandwich panel failure criteria.