BLOG 2
INTRODUCTION
As the project nears its completion, the PoliMi Sailing Team is in the midst of the most crucial phase, where the Team is fully committed to achieving outstanding results. With extensive research and design work completed, and the production process well underway, each member is now fully focused on refining and optimizing every aspect of the project.
All Team members are putting in tireless efforts towards realizing our ambitious goals. While some are still glued to their desks, poring over data and conducting last-minute studies to ensure we have covered all our bases, others are working diligently in our laboratory, perfecting the modules that make up our final product.
We are all driven by a shared passion for excellence and the desire to see our Febe emerge as the best in its class. We are eagerly anticipating the day when the Team can witness our creation set sail, moving towards an imminent triumph.
ONGOING WORKS TOWARDS THE SUMOTH CHALLENGE 2023
The Team is fully dedicated and committed to following the strict production calendar to ensure that the boat is ready on time. We understand the importance of finishing the boat on schedule and the impact it can have on the future tests and adjustments on our plans. Therefore, we are putting in all our effort and time to ensure that every aspect of the production process is handled efficiently and effectively.
The determination is leading to have the boat ready for testing at least a month before the scheduled launch date. This time frame will allow each department to perform rigorous tests and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the boat is fully functional and meets all specifications. Our Team is working tirelessly to achieve this goal, and it is confident in the ability to deliver a high-performance prototype on time.
We take pride in our work, and we understand the importance of meeting deadlines. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the boat is ready for launch as per the agreed timeline, and we are willing to put in the extra effort to ensure that this happens. With our determination, hard work, and commitment, we are confident that we will deliver a product that exceeds expectations.
ACHIEVED MILESTONES
The PoliMi Sailing Team has accomplished a significant milestone by completing the design phase of our latest boat, Teti. The Team has conducted numerous tests with the boat, which has provided us with precious data and insights. These findings will prove invaluable in informing the design and construction of our next boat, Febe. The Team has also implemented data acquisition sensors that are ready to be installed on Febe 2023. These sensors will enable us to gather even more information to further improve their designs.
With our dedication to sustainability and innovation, the PoliMi Sailing Team is making a significant impact on the sailing community. The commitment to reducing our environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials and recycling techniques sets us apart from their peers. We are continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sailing, showing that sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of the sport. As a team of students, we share the passion for sailing and the environment is inspiring, and our contributions to the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN HINTS
The PoliMi Sailing Team project for the SuMoth Challenged 2023 has been named Febe, this new boat the team has decided to implement new processes and new materials, always keeping an eye on the sustainability. Following this principle, some of the molds have been reused from the previous year and even most of the fabrics and raw materials are up-cycled or out-of-shelf. Febe’s main innovations and components are described as follows:
The team follow the three fundamental principles that guide our approach to designing and building sailing boats: reuse, reduce, and recycle.
The first principle is reuse. The team strives to reuse as much as possible, including old moth parts, used carbon tubes, and parts of the foil molds that have been milled again to create new molds or even create new parts from them. By reusing materials, the team reduces waste and lowers costs while still maintaining the performance and innovation of the boat.
The second principle is to reduce the impact of polluting materials. Carbon fibers, for example, have a significant environmental impact due to the energy-intensive process of producing them. To address this issue, the team has decided to reduce their use of carbon fibers in favor of basalt and out-of-shelf fiber glass. This year, the team is experimenting with an innovative bamboo fabric that promises to be both lightweight and sustainable. By reducing the use of polluting materials, the team is actively contributing to a cleaner environment.
The third principle is to recycle. The team recycles not-usable 3D printed parts in PLA that are prototypes. These parts are collected and sent to a German company that makes new filament. Additionally, the team uses Glebanite™, which is old recycled fiberglass from old boats; even the core used hull and deck’s the sandwich is made by recycled PET. By recycling materials, the team reduces waste and lowers costs while still maintaining the quality of the boat.
The use of sustainable materials and recycling techniques is a testament to their dedication to reducing their environmental impact. As a team of students, we trying are setting an example for others in the sailing community to follow. Through our innovation and creativity, we want to show that sustainability can be integrated into all aspects of sailing, from the design and construction of boats to the way they are sailed.
In conclusion, the PoliMi Sailing Team’s innovative approach to sustainability is an inspiration to the entire sailing community. By focusing on the principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle, they are actively contributing to a cleaner environment and setting an example for others to follow. The team’s dedication to sustainability proves that sailing can be done in an environmentally responsible way, and their efforts to reduce waste and pollution while still maintaining the quality of their boats are truly admirable. The PoliMi Sailing Team is a shining example of how sustainable practices can be integrated into all aspects of sailing, creating a better and cleaner future for all.
As the project nears its completion, the PoliMi Sailing Team is in the midst of the most crucial phase, where the Team is fully committed to achieving outstanding results. With extensive research and design work completed, and the production process well underway, each member is now fully focused on refining and optimizing every aspect of the project.
All Team members are putting in tireless efforts towards realizing our ambitious goals. While some are still glued to their desks, poring over data and conducting last-minute studies to ensure we have covered all our bases, others are working diligently in our laboratory, perfecting the modules that make up our final product.
We are all driven by a shared passion for excellence and the desire to see our Febe emerge as the best in its class. We are eagerly anticipating the day when the Team can witness our creation set sail, moving towards an imminent triumph.
ONGOING WORKS TOWARDS THE SUMOTH CHALLENGE 2023
The Team is fully dedicated and committed to following the strict production calendar to ensure that the boat is ready on time. We understand the importance of finishing the boat on schedule and the impact it can have on the future tests and adjustments on our plans. Therefore, we are putting in all our effort and time to ensure that every aspect of the production process is handled efficiently and effectively.
The determination is leading to have the boat ready for testing at least a month before the scheduled launch date. This time frame will allow each department to perform rigorous tests and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the boat is fully functional and meets all specifications. Our Team is working tirelessly to achieve this goal, and it is confident in the ability to deliver a high-performance prototype on time.
We take pride in our work, and we understand the importance of meeting deadlines. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the boat is ready for launch as per the agreed timeline, and we are willing to put in the extra effort to ensure that this happens. With our determination, hard work, and commitment, we are confident that we will deliver a product that exceeds expectations.
ACHIEVED MILESTONES
The PoliMi Sailing Team has accomplished a significant milestone by completing the design phase of our latest boat, Teti. The Team has conducted numerous tests with the boat, which has provided us with precious data and insights. These findings will prove invaluable in informing the design and construction of our next boat, Febe. The Team has also implemented data acquisition sensors that are ready to be installed on Febe 2023. These sensors will enable us to gather even more information to further improve their designs.
With our dedication to sustainability and innovation, the PoliMi Sailing Team is making a significant impact on the sailing community. The commitment to reducing our environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials and recycling techniques sets us apart from their peers. We are continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sailing, showing that sustainability can be integrated into every aspect of the sport. As a team of students, we share the passion for sailing and the environment is inspiring, and our contributions to the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN HINTS
The PoliMi Sailing Team project for the SuMoth Challenged 2023 has been named Febe, this new boat the team has decided to implement new processes and new materials, always keeping an eye on the sustainability. Following this principle, some of the molds have been reused from the previous year and even most of the fabrics and raw materials are up-cycled or out-of-shelf. Febe’s main innovations and components are described as follows:
- FLIGHT CONTROL: automatic adjustment of flaps angle on Main Foil and Rudder with servomotors with encoder data on the wand; an encoder on the wand will send inputs to the two servomotors with a plug and play system in order to switch very easily from the electronic and mechanical mechanism;
- SENSOR BOX: real time data collection and analysis of data with IMUs, ultrasonic wind sensor and GPS; it is enclosed in the hull in order to minimize the volume outside the hull and be safe from the skipper’s movements;
- • SPREADERS: designed and shaped with the boat multi-body model, made in up-cycled carbon fiber and recyclable PET;
- • WAND: it has been greatly improved than last year, it combines the possibility to work both with the electronic and mechanic mechanism. It is made of up-cycled carbon tubes and readjusted aluminum parts;
- • MAIN FOIL: lighter and sharpen than last year, optimized with CFD analysis and made in carbon fiber, out-of-shelf fiberglass and Kevlar; RUDDER: lighter and sharpen than last year, optimized with CFD analysis and made in carbon fiber, out-of-shelf fiberglass and Kevlar with a stainless steel bulb;
- SAIL: self-engineered with a multi-objective optimization, made in 4T FORTE™: the first “green sails” where glues, resins and solvents have been replaced by heat fusion and the base polymer is 100% recyclable;
- FAIRING: it has been shaped to have the best design and the lowest drag; at the same time it is longer than last year because it will cover also part of the deck organisers and rig on the deck. The combination of bamboo and basalt fiber vacuum infused will be a innovation of the usage of the two sustainable materials;
- WINGS: the main innovation is the modularity and the possibility to assemble each part, longitudinal and transversal ones; the result is an easy transport and storage. The material used is in carbon fiber and out-of-shelf fiberglass; only one mold in Glebanite™ has been made since a longer part can be produced and then cut it with the dimensions desired. This is a great feature in case of brake or need to change even slightly the length;
- HULL & DECK: both are a sandwich of basalt, recycled PET and Elium thermoplastic resin with fiber optics to monitor the infusion process and the mechanical behavior of the hull. This latter is a great novelty since it will allows the team to have reliable data and be able to study deeper the composites. The process used is vacuum infusion and the mold is same as Teti 2022, made in a Glebanite™;
- GANTRY: up-cycled carbon tubes from Dynamis PRC team in Politecnico di Milano and milled aluminum joints;
- MAST: it comes from and old (2013) and used 5300mm Mach2 mast that has been cut and adjusted to be compatible with all our sails in order to be able to reuse it;
- BOOM: it is old (2014) and used from a Mach2, it has been necessary to reinforce it with some out-of-shelf carbon fiber in order to withstand the new sails;
- RIG: a great work has been done for all ropes that are now made of 100 % Bio-Based Dyneema™ and they are industrial excess, as well as the high-performance hardware;
The team follow the three fundamental principles that guide our approach to designing and building sailing boats: reuse, reduce, and recycle.
The first principle is reuse. The team strives to reuse as much as possible, including old moth parts, used carbon tubes, and parts of the foil molds that have been milled again to create new molds or even create new parts from them. By reusing materials, the team reduces waste and lowers costs while still maintaining the performance and innovation of the boat.
The second principle is to reduce the impact of polluting materials. Carbon fibers, for example, have a significant environmental impact due to the energy-intensive process of producing them. To address this issue, the team has decided to reduce their use of carbon fibers in favor of basalt and out-of-shelf fiber glass. This year, the team is experimenting with an innovative bamboo fabric that promises to be both lightweight and sustainable. By reducing the use of polluting materials, the team is actively contributing to a cleaner environment.
The third principle is to recycle. The team recycles not-usable 3D printed parts in PLA that are prototypes. These parts are collected and sent to a German company that makes new filament. Additionally, the team uses Glebanite™, which is old recycled fiberglass from old boats; even the core used hull and deck’s the sandwich is made by recycled PET. By recycling materials, the team reduces waste and lowers costs while still maintaining the quality of the boat.
The use of sustainable materials and recycling techniques is a testament to their dedication to reducing their environmental impact. As a team of students, we trying are setting an example for others in the sailing community to follow. Through our innovation and creativity, we want to show that sustainability can be integrated into all aspects of sailing, from the design and construction of boats to the way they are sailed.
In conclusion, the PoliMi Sailing Team’s innovative approach to sustainability is an inspiration to the entire sailing community. By focusing on the principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle, they are actively contributing to a cleaner environment and setting an example for others to follow. The team’s dedication to sustainability proves that sailing can be done in an environmentally responsible way, and their efforts to reduce waste and pollution while still maintaining the quality of their boats are truly admirable. The PoliMi Sailing Team is a shining example of how sustainable practices can be integrated into all aspects of sailing, creating a better and cleaner future for all.