Aerowerx
Well-Known Member
My project will have a 3/32 inch ply skin on the outside of the fuselage, and the same 3/32 ply on the inside of the front half (cockpit area). There is also supposed to be foam in between the two skins in the cockpit area. The plans do not specify what type of foam, but I will probably use extruded 3/4 inch (or 1 inch and sand it down) polystyrene from a big box store (Lowes has the best price in this area).
The cockpit floor will have a ply doubler.
I have come up with a few questions that I would like to get an opinion on from the HBA Gurus.
First, 3/32 inch is quite thin for the cockpit area, so I would guess that the foam provides support in this area that is subject to possible bumping and denting?
Second, in light of that, I would guess that the foam should be glued to the skins to provide a true composite sandwich? Or can it be just placed in between the skins? The plans don't specify, only saying that it is a "filler".
Third, polystyrene foam does not like to bend very well. Will there be a problem with bending the fuselage sides during assembly with the foam glued to the skins? If it's not glued? How about putting some groves on the inside surface of the foam to allow it to bend with out breaking?
My last question...Since this will be an enclosed space, should there be a vent hole to keep it from exploding when going above 5000 feet?:shock:
The cockpit floor will have a ply doubler.
I have come up with a few questions that I would like to get an opinion on from the HBA Gurus.
First, 3/32 inch is quite thin for the cockpit area, so I would guess that the foam provides support in this area that is subject to possible bumping and denting?
Second, in light of that, I would guess that the foam should be glued to the skins to provide a true composite sandwich? Or can it be just placed in between the skins? The plans don't specify, only saying that it is a "filler".
Third, polystyrene foam does not like to bend very well. Will there be a problem with bending the fuselage sides during assembly with the foam glued to the skins? If it's not glued? How about putting some groves on the inside surface of the foam to allow it to bend with out breaking?
My last question...Since this will be an enclosed space, should there be a vent hole to keep it from exploding when going above 5000 feet?:shock:
