[simpits-tech] F16 Canopy Frame

[Marv De Beque]

I think you have that backwards.  Kevlar requires special shears to cut it.
It is also flexible.

Carbon fiber can be cut with ordinary scissors and is very ridged.

Check prices at Aircraft-Spruce.  I thought carbon fiber was cheaper.



On 3/12/03 2:23 AM, "mysticz28@swbell.net" <mysticz28@swbell.net> wrote:

> Marv De Beque wrote:
>> 
>> An alternative would be to make one from carbon fiber.  Carbon fiber is very
>> light and extremely strong.  Go to:
>> 
>> http://www.aircraftspruce.com/index.php
>> 
>> They sell carbon fiber cloth and the resin needed to make what you need.
>> You can hand lay it easy enough, but you will need many layers.  You can use
>> cardboard as a starting frame and layer over that to build up the frame.
>> However, you may also want to consider using aluminum tubing as a core for
>> additional strength.
>> 
>> What ever you do it will most likely not be cheap.
> 
> I'd go with kevlar over vertical grain balsa with a skin of glass so you
> can sand it. Carbon is too brittle and way too expensive. Kevlar is only
> a little less rigid, but it can't be sanded (or even cut) by anything
> most mortals have in their garage. I use ceramic scissors. Try
> www.fiberglast.com or www.fiberlay.com before AS&S, though. Much, much
> cheaper.
> 
> Always remember rule #1 when working with composites: compound curves
> are strong, flat plates are not.
> 
> Rule #2 is: Always keep the cell phone within reach as you will
> eventually glass yourself to the floor and need someone to bring your
> beer to you since you can't go to it ;)