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Old 10-15-2002, 04:19 PM
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Ben Diss
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Default Foam core wing vs. built-up

I'm building a wing from plans that were drawn for a balsa built-up wing. I'm going to cut a foam core and sheet it. I need to know how to build the foam core wing to match the strength of the built-up wing.

On the plans, each wing half is comprised of two panels totaling 45". The plans call for 1/2x1/4 spruce spars, top and bottom, 1/16 sheer web, 1/4 sq spruce LE spar and two 1/4 sq spruce TE spars. LE is shaped from 1/2" balsa.

I can sheet the wing with 1/64 ply, 1/16 or 3/32 balsa, or even obechi. Some options for spars include just adding everything just like the original at the expense of weight, or building a balsa/carbon spar and skipping the LE TE spars.

I'm not a math wiz so I can't figure out the stress loads myself. Without doing a bunch of math, can someone suggest a strong and light structure?

Any help is appreciated.

-Ben