Composite Golf Shaft AerE 423 Ehrich Rodgers and Nick Williams
Feb 22, 2016
Composite Golf Shaft
AerE 423 Ehrich Rodgers and Nick Williams
Background-Golf shafts provide a way for the golfer to generate
force on the golf ball-To do this the golfer’s hands provide a force on one
end while the golf ball provides a force on the other end
-The dimensions below are common among clubs that conform with USGA rules, specifically a driver
Preliminary Analysis-The composite golf shaft is modeled as a cantilever
beam with a circular cross-section-The model uses a conservative cross-sectional radius
that is equal to the average of the butt radius and tip radius.
L = 35 in
FMAX
-Design criteria for FMAX = 4000 lbs
Manufacturing1. Construct a mold2. Laid 9 layers fiberglass onto mold3. Laid 1 layer a carbon fiber on top of fiberglass4. Apply epoxy to outside 5. Lay out to cure
Manufacturing1. Construct a mold
Manufacturing2. Laid 9 layers of fiberglass onto mold3. Laid 1 layer of carbon fiber onto fiberglass
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing4. Apply epoxy to outside
Manufacturing5. Lay out to cure
TestingTest for bending stiffness and vibrationTest for maximum bending moment (failure)
Future ConsiderationsFind a better way to lay the fibers around the moldUse pre-preg and a larger autoclave to cure