Solo

A novel single sculler design, developed and build based on experimental processes of making.

The bright wood is Paulownia, an Asian wood species that is fast growing, very light (280 kg/m3) and now obtainable in Europe. It is also very brittle, soft and porous. The dark wood is mahogany, where the parts on the shell are remains from the Valet Female chair project. The outrig, seat rails and feet strap are built from new mahogany, so that all contact and force transfer parts are created from a high strength, high density wood (750 kg/m3). And, which contrast to its opposite, the Paulownia wood. Additionally, wood glue, both PU and standard white wood glue is used. Then 162 gsm twin woven glass fibre, two-component epoxy, and lacquer is used. The boat is 7.2 meter long and 0.38 meter wide at the widest cross section. It is light enough to lift, carry and flip for one person. 

The design model includes a parametric/geometric model, which is assessed against a hydrodynamic simulation, where the computed form and friction forces are balanced 20/80 respectively. This balance is based on empirical measurements found in the literature, where friction forces increase in drag assessment the slimmer the body profile. This ratio can be changed as wished in the design model. Then a series of aspects, such as water displacement, weight balancing and centre of mass etc. are calculated for each design iteration, and always across two factor dimensions, namely speed (1-10 m/s) and person weight (65-85 kg). This ultimately gives the double sided triple integral presented in the film. Empirical data from the literature, on the force induced on the swivel (oar gates) from the oar motion through water, is integrated and parsed through the geometry, ultimately resulting in forces being transferred to the boat shell, which then pushes the boat forwards. The forces are used to estimate the outrig geometry design.