Brett Connellan on an instrumented surfboard testing 3D printed fins (Image credit: Paul Jones)
We demonstrate pressure difference between both sides of the instrumented fin that produces periodical lift forces directed away from the surfboard.
We review the primary materials and designs currently shaping the surfboard industry, emphasizing the relationship between materials and surfboard performance.
We demonstrated that accomplished surfers can perceive how changes to surfboard fins influence their surfing performance.
We develop surfboards (using our custom-built CNC machine) and surfboard fins (using additive manufacturing / 3D printing) in combination with a performance feedback loop involving sensors.
We have investigate the performance of fins inspired by humpback whales for passible flow control and tested them in ocean waves.
We use modal analysis to investigate the mechanical behaviour of surfing equipment (fins, surfboards and foils). The resulting information is as unique as a fingerprint!
We have established protocols to systematically investigate and quantify the mechanical flex behaviour and performance of fins, foils and surfboards.
We showed that telemetry can be used to measure flex in surfboard fins during surfing waves.