Re: Re: Another new glider pic

From: Bill Gowen <b.gowen_at_earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 13:15:45 -0400

Jim
Yep I agree about the need for strength. I drew up a 30" discus wing a
couple of nights ago when I was too tired to think straight. It would have
been straight dihedral with some sort of carbon spar. I'd still like to try
it but there is too much going on right now.

BTW - Chris' fiber glass LE idea is pretty slick. I've been leaning toward
thinner wings lately and the f/g makes it possible to go further in that
direction. I was considering using 1/2 oz. carbon tissue but it doesn't add
as much strength as you'd like. If you're using carbon tow or
uni-directional laminate as wing reinforcing, the f/g will hold everything
together much better than glue alone.

In regard to Aki's question, I don't think it's necessary to fill the glass
cloth with anything. The weave is very tight to begin with so it finishes
out pretty slick. Chris used 3/4 oz. cloth and Mike Woodhouse sells 1/2 oz.
which should be even better. Cat IV gliders might suffer from the surface
roughness, but for lower venues I don't think it will matter. Last year I
asked Mark Drela how important he thought a slick finish was on a Cat IV
glider. He said it was probably important for the climb but almost certainly
not important for the glide.

For LE reinforcement I hate the extra work that is involved with a hardwood
LE. I also hate having to repair my wings after every flying session. I
added an .010 carbon rod to the LE of several of my gliders and haven't
nicked the LE on any of them since then. It adds about .03g to a standard
wing.

I'm looking forward to hitting the road this afternoon because I have to
stop preparing at that point! I'm also looking forward to seeing you and the
rest of the guys on Saturday.

Bill Gowen
Decatur, GA USA

----- Original Message -----
From: "jim buxton" <glider902003_at_yahoo.com>
To: <Indoor_Construction_at_yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 12:36 PM
Subject: [Indoor_Construction] Re: Another new glider pic


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>> Very nice Jim! Almost begs for a peg in the wing.
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> I have to admit the thought crossed my mind. It would need Chris's
> fiberglass treatment to have any chance though!
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> Yahoo! Groups Links
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Received on Thu Apr 20 2006 - 10:28:18 CEST