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  1. M

    How long do composite molds last?

    Ah yes the wax, that makes sense. I have read that molds can warp over time but I didn't know much about that so I made this thread.
  2. M

    How long do composite molds last?

    Thank you for your insight. It is good to hear the plugs and molds can last a very long time so should not be a concern for me so long as they are stored correctly. Would it be ideal to store the mold on the plug? So each part can protect the other and support each other? Would it be best to...
  3. M

    How long do composite molds last?

    Suppose I construct a plug, mold and create my desired part from this. I then want to store this plug and mold for future use in five or ten years for example. How long do composite molds last? How should a composite mold be stored? Can warpage be prevented?
  4. M

    Female mold from blown plastic to make symmetrical airfoil shape

    Having control of the shape would be important. Interesting idea though.
  5. M

    Female mold from blown plastic to make symmetrical airfoil shape

    Could you use the blown plastic method to do the following? 1) Blow plastic shape based on the top profile which is based on an airfoil. 2) Layup fiberglass onto the outside of the plastic to create a female mold. 3) Construct top/bottom fairings using the female mold. 4) Blow accurate...
  6. M

    Flexible strip hot wire cutting guide

    I would use a side and top template first but I would use the flexible guides to round the corners by repeatedly cutting off the corners.
  7. M

    Flexible strip hot wire cutting guide

    I am looking for examples of the use of a flexible guide for hot wire cutting rather than trying to trace a sharpie line. Something like using a couple rods of fiberglass that can produce a consistent bend and be pinned into place. Once the guide is in place the hot wire can run along the...
  8. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    I have been thinking about this idea some more so I will revisit this and answer your question. Symmetrical airfoil in ground effect will create positive lift, lifting the vehicle off the ground is undesirable for a land vehicle and so the pressure on the airfoil is balanced through camber and...
  9. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    Sorry I was not clear enough with the idea I had for the vehicle. It is a social tandem velomobile with e-assist which would be roughly a half scale version of Solar World no.1 solar car below. Designed to be practical, small turning radius, passenger, luggage space while being very efficient...
  10. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    Thanks, I think this thread has answered my questions. I think I can get a small gap using mold release between two layups. Also using exhaust fans for ventilation, thrust and maintaining a low pressure to limit air escaping through panels.
  11. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    It is a front door that includes a windscreen. Side windows would be made the same except without a door.
  12. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    Does that make sense?
  13. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    That's a bummer, I was thinking of laying up a panel in a mold, painting it with mold release, then laying up the rest of the part. Creating a panel gap no greater than the mold release which would be washed away. If' that's not good enough to avoid tripping the boundary layer I don't know...
  14. M

    How big of a gap trips boundary layer?

    I have read that turbulent air can have double to drag. Tripping the boundary layer is a not good. How big of a gap in-between panels for example trips the boundary layer?
  15. M

    Recumbent Streamliner Build Thread

    Project delayed. The front wheel drive arrangement I have used does not work I will have to go back to square one and consider a different approach. This project will be delayed to summer heat also.
  16. M

    How to extrapolate the curve that connects airfoil coordinates for aerodynamic shape carved into foam by hand without CAD?

    I have done some more measurements. I have not done any limb measurements. Yes large wheels have crank overlap and chainring overlap if the chainring is large which is why I have the 16" wheel.
  17. M

    How to extrapolate the curve that connects airfoil coordinates for aerodynamic shape carved into foam by hand without CAD?

    Yes I sent you an email. I did some measurements, I will need to update red parts. I had the 16" wheel for long wheel base but I decided against it. I will use the 16" wheel front and rear for this frame iteration because they are on hand. As for the nose, it would follow the airfoil used...
  18. M

    How to extrapolate the curve that connects airfoil coordinates for aerodynamic shape carved into foam by hand without CAD?

    It will be short wheel base. Approximately Wheelbase: 115-120cm. Rear axle to bottom bracket: 115cm
  19. M

    How to extrapolate the curve that connects airfoil coordinates for aerodynamic shape carved into foam by hand without CAD?

    Printing: 44 inch wide continuous length Local business: Business Card Printing in Newcastle | ONA Print Graphics Indicators: Yes I will make 6 pin holes for LEDs to shine through clear plastic that is epoxied in for no aerodynamic penalty. The shape you have looks a lit pointier is that the...
  20. M

    Recumbent Streamliner Build Thread

    You might be thinking of the Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge, so interesting it was an inspiration for some motorcycle modifications of mine to improve my fuel economy. Thanks. 👍 Yes I am, I've been on there maybe six or seven years reading while intermittently obsessed with making an...
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