Macroscien said..choco said..Macroscien said..
It could be interesting to see tendom reinforced with fibres. I imagine it as strong thin rope/ thread going above holes and everything molded in translucent silicone. Interesting is also what is actual mechanism breaking existing mono tendon. If fault apear due to squizing on o e side or rather expanding on another?
Duotone tendons have a rope through them
Lovely. I didn't know that .
I bought 2 Duotone tendons and last me 1 year , now cracks appear so could break any minute.
But next experiment should be with fibres not in the center of tendom but periphery like cylinder few mm depth all around.
Because this way strong fibers could take all loads stretching's now plastic and trying to rip it.
The other way flexing should not be effected by fibers.
Eh not a smart idea, what are the ends of the fibres going to be anchored to?
The very reason tendons fail is due to one side being in compression and the opposite side being in tension, and every where else in the tendon some where between, by nature the forces are dynamic, there is also a torsional force (twist) there is an in built weak point that is un avoidable and that is where the fixing passes through it. Introducing a co moulded fiber or a mechanical component (like the old style Uj's had with a threaded insert cast in) just further causes weird force distribution and therefore more place to fail. Most Uj and tendon are from the polyurethane family of plastics, which have been improved dramatically in the last 20 years but are still prone to damage from UV, abrasion, over and or repeated deflection, and lastly compression failure. Most people assume that a tendon is being stretched when sailing but it is in fact a shear load and a compressive one.
Yet again, don't over think it. It's a consumable item, they wear out. Check them maybe yearly or more often if your a super regular sailor, and change them if there is damage, discolouration, distortion, or elongation. And hay buy a spare one so it's in the kit ready for use.
Last time I bought 5, ended up making money off them by desperate people at the beach offering me top coin for one then and there! (Not profiteering but genuinely desperate people.)
While your at it get some spare harness lines, fin bolts and a length of formula line for a replacement out haul or down haul. It all fits in a little bag and might just be the difference between getting out sailing and missing out on that epic day! Like the good Boy Scout be prepared!
mob dog said..
It's just my role in this world, but I am not complaining 
