A rational procedure for development of hybrid composite masts

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim of developing a rational and effective design procedure for the development of cost-effective composite masts that can be manufactured by automated manufacturing procedure. This was in response to the lack of availability of systematic design and analytical procedure for such structural components, and the relatively high cost of the currently available composite masts in market. To achieve this objective, a systematic evaluation of the loads on the mast was performed, followed by a relatively accurate design procedure that considered structural design of an actual mast for a commonly used YD-40 boat. It will be shown that the proposed mast will be less expensive than the commercially available all carbon-epoxy masts.