Aerowerx
Well-Known Member
Those of you that have been following my build will know that I have a problem with the sides wanting to twist when bent.
At this time all I have installed is the inside skin attached to the longerons. This is only in the cockpit area. There will be a layer of extruded polystyrene foam in the cockpit area sides, between the inner and outer skins. The outer skins extend all the way to the tail.
Even if I soak the sides as they are (inner skin only), I think they will still try to twist but maybe not as much.
It seems like the best option is to build up the sides with both inner and outer skins and foam, and then bend. But I am concerned about the force required, which will still be there after fuselage glue-up trying to pull things apart.
One way that might help is to add the outer skin and foam, and then soak. Then bend in the fuselage jig while wet. I would then have to make sure everything is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
I know the foam wont be affected, and the ply is mil spec birch/poplar. The wood is Douglas Fir, and I am using T-88. Any problems with this that anyone can see? Or am I analyzing this too much (I tend to do that), and bending dry is OK?
Another problem with this method is that I will have to put in all the hardpoints on the straight sides before soaking, and that will affect how the sides bend.
At this time all I have installed is the inside skin attached to the longerons. This is only in the cockpit area. There will be a layer of extruded polystyrene foam in the cockpit area sides, between the inner and outer skins. The outer skins extend all the way to the tail.
Even if I soak the sides as they are (inner skin only), I think they will still try to twist but maybe not as much.
It seems like the best option is to build up the sides with both inner and outer skins and foam, and then bend. But I am concerned about the force required, which will still be there after fuselage glue-up trying to pull things apart.
One way that might help is to add the outer skin and foam, and then soak. Then bend in the fuselage jig while wet. I would then have to make sure everything is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
I know the foam wont be affected, and the ply is mil spec birch/poplar. The wood is Douglas Fir, and I am using T-88. Any problems with this that anyone can see? Or am I analyzing this too much (I tend to do that), and bending dry is OK?
Another problem with this method is that I will have to put in all the hardpoints on the straight sides before soaking, and that will affect how the sides bend.
