Antoine Le Palabe unlocks the constraints of residual stresses in competitive sailing composites

Antoine Le Palabe, from the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, revealed that the residual stresses of carbon/epoxy composites can reach 30 MPa, significantly impacting the sizing of nautical structures. This discovery, validated in 2023, highlights the importance of considering these stresses to ensure the safety and performance of vessels in Benin and beyond.

The study of carbon/epoxy composites is crucial for competitive sailing, where the performance and safety of vessels are paramount. Residual stresses, often overlooked, can affect the mechanical behavior of these materials. Antoine Le Palabe's thesis highlights these issues, emphasizing that the amplitude of the residual stresses can reach 30 MPa for a fold at 90°, which requires special attention during the sizing of structures.

The methodology employed by Antoine Le Palabe allowed for the quantification of residual stresses and established that the fatigue transition value is 420 MPa. These results demonstrate the importance of integrating this data into analyses to predict the durability of materials under real conditions, thus avoiding potential failures in competitive boat hulls.

The implications of this research are significant for decision-makers and industry players in sailing. By integrating residual stresses into the sizing of composites, companies can improve the durability and safety of their products. Collaboration between researchers and industry is essential to transform these discoveries into concrete applications, thereby ensuring a substantial return on investment in a rapidly growing market.

« « The amplitude of the residual stresses can reach 30 MPa, which underscores the importance of taking them into account in the sizing of composite structures, » says Antoine Le Palabe. »

« « The advancements of this research provide access to crucial knowledge for decision-makers, allowing for improvements in safety and performance in competitive sailing, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »