Finding the edge - Part II

Mark Saunders looks at the measurement and resolution of load in composite yacht design

Load and restraint specification

Having applied the laminate specifications to the meshed model geometry, the next stage of the analysis is to apply the necessary loads and restraints. There are several methods that can be used for applying the boundary conditions, but this article will consider only two. The first method for loading and restraining a finite element model has been proposed by Luke McEwen of SP Technologies.

Equilibrium load case
Load cases for FEA
One approach to the analysis is to run a 'realistic' load case, which includes all the W1 loads acting on the structure under some steady-state sailing situation. For most analyses...

To read the remainder of this article please go to the June 2004 edition of Seahorse, available at selected newsstands or by calling: + 44 (0) 1590 671899 or by email at: info@seahorse.co.uk

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