Composite Ski Analysis

ME 500 Project: Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2022

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The objective of this project was to compare simulation results to physical testing results for bending of a ski composite. Rather than using a complete ski layup, we decided to simplify our model to just the wood core with a layer of 19 oz fiberglass above and below. We took a poplar core and cut it into eight equal length and width pieces. The thicknesses of these pieces were modified such that we had two of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm thicknesses, utilizing a planar for accurate cuts. We utilized a vacuum bag process to layup the test pieces using an Entropy Resin CLR resin system.

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I supported modeling in Abaqus via shell model and solid model with skin reinforcements, as the composites. Notably had to consider the effect of large deformations and the loading. Accounting for this non-linearity had significant effects correlating with the test results

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Skills Developed

• Composite FEA analysis

• Composite Laminate Theory via MATLAB code

• Wet layup vacuum bag techniques​