In looking at various ideas, I realize that almost all of my designs end up with wing skin thickness decided by minimum gauge rather than strength. I really like the Chris Heintz reaction to this issue -- use 6061 aluminum instead of 2024; it's cheaper, easier to work, and less corrosion sensitive. It's not as strong, but if you're gauge limited that doesn't matter.
But how about going one step further? All the advantages 6061 has over 2024, 5052 has more so. Cheaper still, easier to work, good enough for building salt water boats... and it's weldable, and doesn't need to be heat treated.
Question 1: Is designing around 5052 sane, or is there something I'm missing?
Question 2: If designing around 5052, is there any reason /not/ to take advantage of weldability? Fully welded, polished wings are tempting...
But how about going one step further? All the advantages 6061 has over 2024, 5052 has more so. Cheaper still, easier to work, good enough for building salt water boats... and it's weldable, and doesn't need to be heat treated.
Question 1: Is designing around 5052 sane, or is there something I'm missing?
Question 2: If designing around 5052, is there any reason /not/ to take advantage of weldability? Fully welded, polished wings are tempting...
