Jan 27, 2012
Springboard - don't try this at home!
We have discovered the secret strength testing methods that are used for this summer’s Olympics games in London. Wonder when they will run out of test objects?
Springboard materials (source: Wikipedia)
Modern springboards are made out of a single-piece extrusion of aircraft-grade aluminum. The Maxiflex Model B, the board used in all major competitive diving events, is made out of such aluminum, and is heat treated for a yield strength of 50,000 psi. The slip-resistant surface of the board is created using an epoxy resin, finished with a laminate of flint silica and alumina in between the top coats of resin. This thermal-cured resin is aqua-colored to match the water of a clean pool.