Liteing a model
09-25-2009, 09:33 AM
#1
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Liteing a model
I am building a Lanier 120 size Stinger and would like to make it lighter. I would like to drill 1" round holes in the fuse sides, but need to know if I should parallel them or offset them them?
If I parallel them would that create weak points?
09-25-2009, 12:47 PM
#3
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RE: Liteing a model
How many holes?... what is the weight savings for each hole? Is it really worth the loss of structure? Only you can answer that.
Think of your fuselage as a beam... you would want to put any holes as close to the neutral axis (center/mid-line) as possible... but not too close on-center as that would/could cause the web to cripple.
For strength purposes... the holes should be parallel to one another, not offset. You should be careful drilling... I would stay away from a paddle bit and use a circular saw bit. Try to minimize the tearing effect during drilling.
Think of your fuselage as a beam... you would want to put any holes as close to the neutral axis (center/mid-line) as possible... but not too close on-center as that would/could cause the web to cripple.
For strength purposes... the holes should be parallel to one another, not offset. You should be careful drilling... I would stay away from a paddle bit and use a circular saw bit. Try to minimize the tearing effect during drilling.
09-25-2009, 09:32 PM
#4
Senior Member
RE: Liteing a model
I wouldn't do a damn thing if I was you. The little weight savings is not worth sacrificing the structural integrity of the fuselage. You have to know where to cut and how much. Circular holes aren't the best method. Lattice type of lightening is the way to go, but again, you have to know what you are doing. Below are pics of the lattice work I did on my GP Super Skybolt. It took a heck of a long time.
