STRUT FAIRINGS

[EDMO 1078]

Joey was talking about using some Lexan to make strut fairings - I was wondering if anyone had ever tried using thin PVC sheet to do the same thing, and gluing it with minimal rivets?

I have 2 sets of J3 struts that could be used to mold fiberglass fairings, but after about 30 years of working with fiberglass, I don't know if I could force myself to do that again - and the cost of materials has gone up a lot.

EDMO

Edited 7 May 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[KFfan 151]

With the PVC...how would you propose to join on the back side? Adhesive w/rivets or just adhesive?

Or...am I not understanding?

[EDMO 1078]

I figured a couple of rivets on each end - the rest is adhesive.

EDMO

[EDMO 1078]

I checked my Grainger catalog, and a 4' x 8' sheet of 1/16" thick PVC is just about $60 - that should do fairings for 2 planes, figuring about 6" for each strut.

I was hoping to find 1/32 thickness....maybe keep looking?

EDMO

Edited 9 May 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[Luked 71]

Hi Ed,

 

I've used some PVC based plastics in the past in our business, and I would be reluctant to do it again. PVC works well for plumbing fittings (probably because the parts are thick enough to be durable and not flex), but PVC is fairly brittle and thin sheets seem to break down with use (cracks). I also don't think it stands up to UV very well. You could paint it to protect it, but I'm not sure how well paint will stay on it.

 

What about using .016" 2024 T3 Aluminum sheet? Some people might think it's too thin to be usable, but I've used it (.016" thickness) extensively on various items. It's surprisingly durable. Aluminum is just slightly less than twice the density of most PVC plastic (I had to look that up), so .016" would be slightly less weight than 1/32" PVC. A 4' x 8' sheet is about $72 at ACS, and they can roll it up for UPS. You can even get a 4' x 12' piece if needed for a little more. Just a thought.

 

Good luck with your fairings.

[EDMO 1078]

Thanks for the info Luke - I was looking for something you could glue instead of lots of rivets - maybe I will have to use my J3 struts to make fiberglass fairings - I really would prefer to sell them to someone who wants to start a business - I have enough to do just to get my bird built.

EdMO

[Luked 71]

Yeah, fiberglass might be your best bet then if you are trying to avoid rivets.

[Av8r3400 1179]

Most automotive steel body panels are glued to the support structures.

All of the new F150 trucks have aluminum skins which are also glued.

Food for thought.

[EDMO 1078]

We never glued anything except the leather tops on the Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler cars - every steel part was welded.  But I retired 24 years ago - Maybe things have changed?

Wonder what glue would hold and last with aluminum?

EDMO

Edited 16 May 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[sioux201 84]

Streamline farings

Denis, aero light 103,

I designed a jig for him to split his farings, now you can put them on anything

Search Avid ,Mong , murphy renegade, lazair seaplanes to see what can be done with these farings!

Another advantage, if you install right, can be removed to inspect for cousions !!!

,

[Av8r3400 1179]

Hysol is a structural adhesive that glues your wood ribs to aluminum spars...

[EDMO 1078]

Sioux,

   

     I see it now at UFlyit - but it don't say cost of cutting lengthwise.

How do these go together and come apart when you split them to install?

EDMO

Edited 17 May 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[sioux201 84]

$. .?

The jig cuts the trailing edge length wise

Better to talk on landline

[EDMO 1078]

I don't talk on landlines - If it is that big of a secret that it cant be posted and shared on here, then just forget me.

EDMO

[TJay 1041]

how bout forget the rivets and use double stick tape.  All those big sky scrapers with solid glass windows you see in big city's.  3M double sided tape is what holds all those panels of glass in. Its a thought.

[EDMO 1078]

I replaced 2 or 3 tiles on my kitchen wall over the sink - Didn't have the regular glue stuff they use - Had a tube of GE Silicone II, and used some of it - they have been on the wall for about 10 years now.  Kitfox glues the gas tanks to the spars with it.

EDMO

[KFfan 151]

how bout forget the rivets and use double stick tape.  All those big sky scrapers with solid glass windows you see in big city's.  3M double sided tape is what holds all those panels of glass in. Its a thought.

I used some 3M automotive trim tape on my 98 Chev P/U last summer to secure some trim on the bed side. 

Thorough cleaning and prep on body and trim. Proper outdoor temp. The trim began releasing within a week. I was NOT impressed.

 

Lou

Edited 18 May 2015 by KFfan

[sioux201 84]

It was easier to explane on the phone!!!

[sioux201 84]

Your forgotten!!!!

[Luked 71]

I hadn't thought of double sided tape. We use 3M VHB tape for aluminum to aluminum bonds. Once they are properly bonded, you will not separate them (unless you bring a chisel). We use the type with a thin layer of foam. They have some that is good to 300 degrees, and actually strengthens with heat and age. Here is a good place to get it:

 

http://www.uline.com/Grp_240/3M-VHB-Tapes

 

The surfaces need to be flat though with adequate surface area. For a trailing edge, I would put a slight bend in the sheet near the trailing edge like Avid did on the flaperons. That way the surfaces would be parallel to each other where they bond.

 

[marksires 484]

We never glued anything except the leather tops on the Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler cars - every steel part was welded.  But I retired 24 years ago - Maybe things have changed?

Wonder what glue would hold and last with aluminum?

EDMO

Ask Aloha Airlines and Boeing...

[EDMO 1078]

I remember that!

EDMO

[Av8r3400 1179]

That was an antique 737 suffering from too many pressurization cycles causing work hardened aluminum...

[EDMO 1078]

Guess I don't have to pressurize my strut fairings - Our highest "Mountain" is 1700 msl with a "cement pond" reservoir on top of it.

EdMO

Edited 21 May 2015 by Ed In Missouri