JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013 - 27

ging applications of our unique FlexC™,
flexible carbon fibre product, manufacturing cables that are lighter and smaller in diameter than other solid carbon
rods. With regard to composite parts,
we are testing the use of nanotubebased composites, which are designed
to allow us to monitor the health status
of our parts and thus make appropriate
decisions regarding repair or substitution. This process is a completely new
innovation in the marine industry.

Fig. 2: Foodbridge with load-bearing supports made of Future Fibres solid carbon cables

develop complex custom solutions
using composite fibres and laminates.
We firmly believe in maintaining strong
relationships with the main players in
the marine sector and work closely with
yacht builders, designers, sail-makers
and race teams on a variety of challenging projects. Understanding and
responding to our customers' needs
is our primary focus when developing
new products and solutions.

With regard to our current projects,

JCM: Do you plan to develop your offer
of products and services in this sector?
Do you have any projects to further your
development in the marine industry?

T. H. : Future Fibres is the leading provider of composite masts and rigging to
the race, cruise and superyacht sectors,
and from a strategic perspective we are
always looking for new ways in which to

Fig. 3: RP-One roadster with a Future Fibres composite tub structure

No84 October 2013 /

Feature Marine

We have worked hard to establish
strategic alliances with the world's best
marine companies and sailing professionals. Our on-going relationship with
Caterham Challenge, an innovative
Class 40 sailing campaign, has given
Future Fibres the opportunity to work
with the Caterham Group and explore
technical boundaries in the world of
competitive sailing.

develop our knowledge and expertise.
We are currently looking to introduce
our rigging products into a larger-scale,
volume market to provide a range of
standardized cables and fittings for 3560 ft. boats.
We are also expanding our presence
in the multi-hull sector by supplying
complete mast and rigging packages for
high-performance catamarans. This is a
niche sector requiring specialist design
and engineering which is made possible
by the experience of our in-house
design team.
As far as products and materials are
concerned, we are developing the rig-

Currently, our R&D department is
working on a range of intelligent cables
with embedded sensors that provide insitu stress/load monitoring. We believe
that the capacity to test and monitor
each element should be inherent in the
design of composite products. Additionally, we are continuing to work on
non-destructive testing with ultrasound
and acoustic emissions, which is of
vital importance during servicing and
maintenance.
On the IT side, we have developed the
Mastermind Pro mast design software
package which we are using to optimize
mast and rigging performance. This
powerful tool allows us to apply threedimensional, real-world, sail sets to an
FEA mast and rigging model, allowing
us to evaluate the performance of each
individual element and to make the
required refinements.

jec composites magazine 27

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013