Abstract

The optimization of sport equipment parts requires considerable time and high costs due to the high complexity of the development process. For this reason, we have developed a novel approach to decrease the cost and time for the optimization of the design, which consists of producing a first prototype by 3D printing, applying the forces that normally acts during the sport activity using a test bench, and then measuring the local deformations using 3D digital image correlation (DIC). The design parameters are then modified by topological optimization and then DIC is performed again on the new 3D-printed modified part. The DIC analysis of 3D-printed parts has shown a good agreement with that of the injection-molded ones. The deformation measured with DIC are also well correlated with those provided by finite element method (FEM) analysis, and therefore DIC analysis proves to be a powerful tool to validate FEM models.

Highlights

  • The optimization of the design of sport equipment made from thermoplastic materials is a difficult task that requires a considerable amount of time and high costs since it is performed with a trial and error approach that necessitates the modification of molds used to produce the parts

  • The test conducted using the new procedure based on digital image correlation (DIC) and 3D printing shows that it is possible to develop rigid parts for sport equipment with reduced weight and improved performances

  • The DIC analysis of 3D-printed parts shows the same deformation patterns of injection-molded ones and allows one to determine the loads applied during the use, which can be used for finite element method (FEM) simulation and topological optimization

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The optimization of the design of sport equipment made from thermoplastic materials is a difficult task that requires a considerable amount of time and high costs since it is performed with a trial and error approach that necessitates the modification of molds used to produce the parts This approach increases the time to market of a new product and significantly affect the final costs. Test benches that measure the flexural stiffness of the parts have been used to determine the flexural behavior of winter sport equipment made of rigid plastic parts [2] These test benches permit the application of forces that are similar to those applied in real use and are widely employed for lab testing to predict the performances, for example, of ski boots [1,2].

Objectives
Methods
Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.