As part of a design upgrade for a series-built day racer, a yacht design studio asked us to investigate why the rudder mounting fittings kept malfunctioning.
They wanted to understand why before deciding what to change. We took on the investigation, the engineering and the manufacture of the replacement hardware.
Following the loads through the rudder
We started by calculating the loads acting on the rudder and looking at how they passed through the stock and into the mounting assembly. We then used finite element analysis (FEA) to see where stresses were concentrated in the rudder and stock under the relevant load cases.
We also assessed fatigue to understand what repeated loading meant for the assembly over time. Together, the calculations and simulations helped us identify why the fittings were malfunctioning and gave us a basis for specifying what the replacements needed to withstand.
Turning the findings into finished hardware
With the cause understood, we proposed bespoke replacement fittings. We developed the design around the loads we’d calculated and the way the fittings had to work with the rudder and stock. We then coordinated manufacture, carrying the findings from the analysis through to the finished parts.
For a yacht designer, this is where we can help. Bring us a specific problem or a design you want to put into production. We can look into the details, propose a solution, run the calculations and simulations, and coordinate manufacture so you have finished hardware for your project.
Got a detail you’d like us to look at?
