Seahorse Article Dyneema® SK78 Part 2.pdf

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The (new) miracle Dobbs Davis looks at the practical applications – and considerations – of the latest Dyneema fibres 42 SEAHORSE

Last month we examined the technical properties of several fibre types now in use in performance sailing, and how the chemical composition and molecular structure of these fibres contribute to the unique physical properties of each. For manufacturers of cordage and sailcloth this background knowledge is key to fully understanding the strengths and limitations of how the fibre can be used in various applications; the challenge facing them is how to optimise these properties for their products while being receptive to their users’ feedback on how to develop and innovate.

This feedback can also get back to the fibre manufacturer, who by improving on their fibre’s characteristics can in turn provide a greater range of options. For cordage manufacturers the impetus for improvement comes from a constant pressure to innovate as improvements are made steadily in the design and construction of all constituent parts of a performance sailing yacht: hulls and appendages, spars and rigging, deck hardware and sails are all now carefully engineered and optimised for each application. The total of the incremental improvements made in each of


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