Hunt Johnsen
Member
We use EPE/EPP foam pipe insulation tubing as lightweight cores for stringers and deck beams. The tubing comes in various sizes pre-sliced. I cut it in half with a sharp carving knife, tack it in place with hot glue and glass over it to form a hat section composite stiffener. It works great on our boats which are single skin monocoque, quite light and handle large surf. I would think it might have some application for panel stiffening in aircraft as well.
Someone will now tell me they figured it out 20 years ago- and no, the resin does not bond to it.
Also, EPP and EPE foams, while flexible, are very tough and about as light as styrofoam. Has anyone tried it as rib cores for full size aircraft? It's become common as dirt in RC RTF models
Someone will now tell me they figured it out 20 years ago- and no, the resin does not bond to it.
Also, EPP and EPE foams, while flexible, are very tough and about as light as styrofoam. Has anyone tried it as rib cores for full size aircraft? It's become common as dirt in RC RTF models
