311 Project 2

I have chosen to use this fin template FCS II Kolohe Andino 'KA' signature fins to base my initial template for my fins as they are the same I use personally so I understand how the foils and template of the fin work

Template is not exact specifications to the KA fin but has very similar rake, foil and depth so that it will feel similar when the product gets to the user testing stage and for further development of the product.  

For my first iteration I added three basic channels into the side of the fin to allow the water to grip into the channels causing more grip and response to the fin. 

Renders in PLA white

This iteration I changed the channels to a more rigid valley shape like a tip of a triangle, I believe thus will be a more direct and aggressive approach to channel the water around the tip of the fin area allowing a more responsive fin.   

Renders

My 3rd iterations I decided to completely change up the channels at the tip of the fin completely and decided to add curves in them angles to flow to the end tip of the fin with one significantly deeper one that will take on the most of the flow of water. curving them up to the tip allows the water to be displaced in on place and at the right place. 

Aerodynamics 

I ran my third iteration in a aerodynamic simulator to see how the water flows through the channel to add performance to the fin as you can see the water hits the channels and is feed out in the right places this will create drive and responsiveness to the fin adding performance compared to your average surfboard fin.

3D models 

I tried to print all three iterations at once at a smaller size to see the different channels in the fin. It didn't work because of this so I need to print them separately. Iteration 2 came out alright though.

The channels come out nicely. The one thing I took out of this print that the fins in term of strength and flex came out surprisingly good almost good to use surfing straight from the printer. Iteration 2 channels were a bit shallow and didn't look like they would change the performance of the fin too much.  

Iteration 3 Print 

The channels came out perfectly in these with big grooves in them to manipulated and direct the water flow for the fin. I scaled the fin too big though and need to adjust to the right side.

Scale of fin proportions

I scaled the fin down to 164mm X 120mm with a 35.1 degree rake. I made my full seat of fins with the left and right fin having flat foils on the inside of them.

I had exchanged a few emails from Wollongong University and they agreed my theory will work and even had research on it. I will need to user test before I get them to do an engineering report.

Research: https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/49/1/132?

Renders 

Photography

Layout of Blog

From product two I have added a fin box so the fin is compatible with futures boxes as well as move the mid point of the fin forward to make it more aerodynamic and perform better in the water. 

I added colour to the channel of the fin to make it pop out and highlight the innovation I'm making to the product