Alloy versus Carbon masts

[airsail]

Is this phrase correct, "alloy masts are generally stiffer than a carbon mast".?
Yes, the corrosion problems of always going to be an issue but cost of a well built carbon mast is high. With replacement alloy masts being available and possibly stiffer eg, more stable in use, is alloy the way to go?

[Blackrat]

If an alloy mast is stiffer and cheaper , why bother with carbon ? Cause it looks nice ?

[bragnouff]

If an alloy mast is stiffer and cheaper , why bother with carbon ? Cause it looks nice ?

Cause it's significantly lighter

[Lokihel]

For a given section a (well built) CFRP is stiffer than aluminium alloy.


Simply by comparing the Young's modulus for both materials:
Aluminium 6061-T6: ~70GPa
CRFP (70/30): ~190 GPa


Note that this statement is only valid for the same section.
This means same chord, thickness, profile etc. Only the material differs.


The disadvantage of CFRP is that it is very dependent on the direction of the loading. The carbon fibres are only strong longitudinally.
Aluminium alloy does not care.


Also note that a 50/50 CRFP is less stiff than 6061-T6 alloy, at ~30-50GPa

[cosmo]

is hard not to be ironic here, but we know that all types of vehicles that required low weight and high resistance structure use carbon over aluminium. You dont suspect why?
We can discuss if the aluminium is more cost efective for some free ride foils, but not if is more resistance.

[Peter_Frank]

Everything else being equal, a carbon mast is both stiffer and lighter, so the obvious choice for racing or if you want the best and/or a light foil.

But as alloy when using a bit thicker/wider profile, can be sufficently stiff or even stiffer yes, and quite tough too, it makes good sense to use for freeride so the cost is lowered significantly.
The corrosion issues is something one has to handle besides added drag and weight but it does not mean much for many riders, for others (also freeriders) it means a lot.

Just like a bicycle - some, in fact most, use heavier cheaper alu or steel bikes, others use carbon, and some use a mix.
Both personal preference and what you use it for, and the thickness of your wallet maybe

PF

[grigorib]

Speaking of the "same section" the statement is really hard to apply since alloy mast has complex section and I heard carbon masts have a non-carbon core.

They gotta learn how to make lighter alloy masts. Screw the aluminum, magnesium alloy or titanium could be significantly lighter.

Remembering F2A control line airplanes wings construction where aluminum was a taco wrap, not a stupid protrusion - we will see more of better masts in coming years. Well, maybe racers will see, I'm not in the market for elite stuff. I want to freeride but I don't want to carry a cinderblock weight. I'll keep loving my carbon for time being

[windmaker]

Carbon construction also allows the creation of more complex profiles, tapers etc.
Aluminum masts are not tapered and use the same section from top to bottom,

[abel]

If an alloy mast is stiffer and cheaper , why bother with carbon ? Cause it looks nice ?

Cause it's significantly lighter

+1
My personal own preference: after getting used to a carbon Hfoil, the mere holding a heavier one makes me uncomfortable.
Qualitative reasons: easy to carry, side float when going out, natural side float for start, lower inertia (doesn't chase you at high speed for long distances after a crash),
easy to handle with one hand (even at odd angles - especially when going through tough the break), ...

[plummet]

Yeah. Carbon allows more complex shapes, the strength in the direction you need it, light weight, the ability to easily repair damage and also if its hollow core of foam/wood core it will also float. Floating is a big bonus if for some reason your bolts fail,