Kiteboat Project

Mukti

• Conducted training for Walfred and Nayeli on the strut leak-down test procedure, demonstrating correct disassembly and validation steps to ensure waterproofing integrity.

• Process included careful removal of the strut head using plastic-tip pliers, loosening screws in an X-pattern, and inspecting connector interfaces for sealing issues.

• Emphasized verification of connector housings to ensure they are fully potted and free of voids, preventing water ingress and electrical failures.

• Documented the procedure with photos for inclusion in the assembly and packaging binder, supporting standardization across the team.

• Provided an update on strut testing results: two out of six struts exhibited persistent leakage despite replacing cables and the strut plug body cover. Failures were both visible and audible, with one unit initially holding pressure before leaking again.

• Plans to review historical data and consult with Merten and Alec to determine root causes, which may relate to strut body design, sealing methods, or cable defects.

Adam

• Performed validation of the new motor from Santroll, comparing it against Jetfoiler motors.

• Findings:

  • Reduced vibration and noise overall; slight oscillations at low RPM and bearing-related noise at mid-range.

  • Thermal diagnostics revealed a hotspot on the Santroll motor bearing (~70 °C after one minute), higher than Jetfoiler (~48 °C).

  • Maximum RPMs differed: Santroll (~2800 RPM) vs. Jetfoiler (~3400 RPM), likely due to firmware parameters.

• Consensus among team: Santroll motor showed improved vibration performance but requires further endurance and in-water trials to validate thermal behavior and acoustic performance.

Bradley

• Reorganized the strut shelf area to improve workflow efficiency and accessibility.

• Grouped hardware systematically: O-rings/seals in forward bins, screws/fasteners staged toward the end.

• Established an emergency reserve of battery closure molds to ensure immediate replacements are available, preventing production delays.

Joe

• Machined a custom pin on the lathe to support the strut leak-down test fixture, ensuring proper sealing and pressure application during testing.

• Shared technical aspects of the lathe machine, highlighting its capability to perform turning, drilling, boring, facing, threading, and chamfering.

• Stressed safety considerations: tools are razor sharp, surfaces become extremely hot due to friction, and coolants are required to maintain tool life and surface finish quality.

• His machining efforts directly supported Mukti’s training and validation activities, enabling leak integrity tests to proceed without delay.

Jasmine

• Supervised and supported the strut leak-down testing process, assisting Mukti and the team during troubleshooting and validation.

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