WIX Archives
Possible...
Posted by bdk on Mon Dec 22, 2003 01:52:17 AM
In reply top Composit parts posted by Rob Rohr on Sun Dec 21, 2003 05:19:10 PM
For Experimental/Exhibition category in the US, you could probably certify it, but unlikely anywhere in Europe without a lot of hassle.
It would be a lot of engineering work. You can't just substitute materials. Composites don't take well to bolted joints for instance, and the thermal expansion and stiffness values are quite different. Aluminum is isotropic, it has essentially the same material properties in every direction. Composites are closer to plywood- they have strength along the fibers, but low strength through the thickness of the laminate (the fiber in tension is very strong, but the bonds between adjacent fibers are quite low by comparison). Imagine making a Corsair spar out of plywood, and you get the idea.
There are plenty of Mustangs flying around with fiberglass fairings, they are much cheaper to make than new aluminum ones. You can't really tell after they're painted after all. Of course, those parts aren't structural either.
If you have any specific questions, e-mail me directly.
Brandon
: Rob Mears and I were talking about if could be possiable t
: o use composit's in building up a newspar for Corsairs. My
: question is could it be possiable and if so how can it do
: ne.