Materials modelling for improving kayak paddle-shaft simulation performance

In this work computer aided design tools are used to build iconic, semi-iconic and analogue CAD models to represent the microstructure of fibre reinforced polymer composite materials suitable for finite element simulation. The analogue method was identified as the most efficient approach due to less complex geometries with reduced pre-processing data, and reduced simulation time. The analogue method was then used to create virtual prototypes of composite kayak paddle-shafts that were 'tested' using a design analysis tool. Where elastic modulus values are required for design analysis previously developed micro-mechanical models are used. Simulation results were compared to real results obtained from physical testing and it was concluded that the analogue method is a favourable modelling approach in regard to composite kayak paddle-shafts. In general, these simulation tools are first pass design aids and are considered only for comparative analysis of known systems, being less than ideal for simulation of unknown systems. The use of the predictive models shown here have made more realistic simulation data possible.