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Design and construction of a reinforced plastic oar for use in competitive and recreational rowing
Author(s) -
Prinsen John H.,
Wilkins Graham
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.750070405
Subject(s) - fibre reinforced plastic , epoxy , materials science , composite material , molding (decorative) , rowing , sheet moulding compound , structural engineering , engineering , archaeology , history
In 1982 Paluski Boats with the assistance of the National Research Council of Canada, embarked on a project to design a reinforced plastic oar. The problems to be solved involved not only the construction of a shaft of sufficient strength, but also the development of a light and durable F.R.P. blade, as well as fixing to the pole a suitable strong and adjustable pivot point. The shaft was manufactured, borrowing techniques developed for ski poles and windsurfing masts, in the form of a tapered epoxy and carbon‐fiber pole. The blade was formed with an outer shell of epoxy and fiberglass laminate which was then filled with a two‐part structural foam. The pivot point, or ‘collar/sleeve assembly’ was made by molding around the shaft a solid section of polyurethane. The new plastic oars are lighter, less‐expensive, need no regular maintenance and are practically impossible to break.