RCU Forums - View Single Post - How much strength does balsa / ply add?
Old 10-03-2012 | 08:07 PM
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ameyam
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From: Mumbai, INDIA
Default RE: How much strength does balsa / ply add?

Its not that easy, this is a 'chinese' ARF. You can understand how 'lightly' its built from the fact that the sheeting on the side of the fuse into which the anti rotation dowels go, simply bends out while fitting the wing. The wing itself is a tight tolerance fit. My AW Extra 30cc is similarly built but much stiffer. So some strengthening is going to be required whether sheeting or CF stock.

With the under belly, we do carry our models in small cars with the models stacked one on top of the other. Plus our field is rocky. If I leave it as is, it may not survive the ride to the field, let alone being picked up.

The ply I would normally use to sheet from inside is 3/32 birch ply. I also have 1/16 birch ply. Both are quite heavy and difficult to cut. Recently I reinforced the LG Block on my Reactor bipe and it took me all evening to sand a piece of 4"x2" into shape so it would fit. A small hack took a lot of effort (I bit the bullet and got a jig saw since then). My buddy has used similar stuff on from the engine box all the way upto the TE of the wing, subsequently he used balsa upto the tail section. The model doesnt have too many stringers in the structure, its just ply formers, so stiffening is definately required. Should I consider balsa + ply construction similar to what he has done or should I go for CF plates. If so, I will need to order from Tower so CF will be expensive

Ameyam