wrote

Perhaps more to the point, I just suggested a rib as
an example. Being able to bend graphlite rod like
one steam bends wood opens up a lot of design
possibilites.

Imagine, instead of reinforcing other materials with the rod,
making a wing, or wing and fuselage built like a birdcage
and then covered with Dacron. Not the cheapest and
maybe not the lightest or strongest and certainly not
the most practical way to go. But an interesting concept.

How about using flat graphite stock and laminate the shape you want to end
up wit. That would eliminate purdy much all of the preload, no? g
--
Jim in NC