Panel Materials

On Sep 27, 9:39 am, Tim Taylor wrote:
I am getting ready to replace the panel in my Ventus B. Are there any
standard materials (especially the core) and recommended glass and
core thickness used to layup a new one?

This is a fixed panel, does not pop up when the canopy is opened.

I was thinking of using a 1/16" to 1/8" core of DIVINYCELL. So far
the thinest I can find is 1/8", is this too thick and will it handle
the compression of mounting screws through it?

There is a company: Aerospace Composite Products, that has various
types of pre-make composite panels. All are carbon or glass with
various "fillers" of foam, glass, and something they call Corelite
Other panels of thicknesses over .5 inch are done with foam and balsa.

http://www.acp-composites.com/


I would check with them regarding using one of their panels to make
the blank.

I used many of their products in the past and they're always top of
the line.

Mike

On Sep 27, 4:36 pm, SoaringXCellence wrote:
On Sep 27, 9:39 am, Tim Taylor wrote:

I am getting ready to replace the panel in my Ventus B. Are there any
standard materials (especially the core) and recommended glass and
core thickness used to layup a new one?

This is a fixed panel, does not pop up when the canopy is opened.

I was thinking of using a 1/16" to 1/8" core of DIVINYCELL. So far
the thinest I can find is 1/8", is this too thick and will it handle
the compression of mounting screws through it?

There is a company: Aerospace Composite Products, that has various
types of pre-make composite panels. All are carbon or glass with
various "fillers" of foam, glass, and something they call Corelite
Other panels of thicknesses over .5 inch are done with foam and balsa.

http://www.acp-composites.com/

I would check with them regarding using one of their panels to make
the blank.

I used many of their products in the past and they're always top of
the line.

Mike

Make sure you have some kind of rounded flange around your legs,
lest the panel turn into a knife in an accident. You'll note all new
gliders have this feature. Make a mold with a thick piece of wood,
rounding the corners, and lay up a non-sandwich panel for best
results. Its easy and much safer than a simple panel (especially
a metal panel).

Hope this helps,
Best Regards, Dave "YO"

On Sep 27, 1:36 pm, SoaringXCellence wrote:
On Sep 27, 9:39 am, Tim Taylor wrote:

I am getting ready to replace the panel in my Ventus B. Are there any
standard materials (especially the core) and recommended glass and
core thickness used to layup a new one?

This is a fixed panel, does not pop up when the canopy is opened.

I was thinking of using a 1/16" to 1/8" core of DIVINYCELL. So far
the thinest I can find is 1/8", is this too thick and will it handle
the compression of mounting screws through it?

There is a company: Aerospace Composite Products, that has various
types of pre-make composite panels. All are carbon or glass with
various "fillers" of foam, glass, and something they call Corelite
Other panels of thicknesses over .5 inch are done with foam and balsa.

http://www.acp-composites.com/

I would check with them regarding using one of their panels to make
the blank.

I used many of their products in the past and they're always top of
the line.

Mike

The carbon fiber will be hard to cut and drill and will probably
require carbide tools. I would recommend fiberglass. Also if you
mold a fiberglass panel you can mold one with out the sharp edges.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

"Richard" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Sep 27, 1:36 pm, SoaringXCellence wrote:
On Sep 27, 9:39 am, Tim Taylor wrote:

I am getting ready to replace the panel in my Ventus B. Are there any
standard materials (especially the core) and recommended glass and
core thickness used to layup a new one?

This is a fixed panel, does not pop up when the canopy is opened.

I was thinking of using a 1/16" to 1/8" core of DIVINYCELL. So far
the thinest I can find is 1/8", is this too thick and will it handle
the compression of mounting screws through it?

There is a company: Aerospace Composite Products, that has various
types of pre-make composite panels. All are carbon or glass with
various "fillers" of foam, glass, and something they call Corelite
Other panels of thicknesses over .5 inch are done with foam and balsa.

http://www.acp-composites.com/

I would check with them regarding using one of their panels to make
the blank.

I used many of their products in the past and they're always top of
the line.

Mike

The carbon fiber will be hard to cut and drill and will probably
require carbide tools. I would recommend fiberglass. Also if you
mold a fiberglass panel you can mold one with out the sharp edges.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

I've drilled and cut carbon fiber/epoxy structures with ordinary wood and
metal tools. They work fine but do require more frequent sharpening. Do
wear a good respirator and eye protection when working with either
fiberglass or carbon.

Bill Daniels

If you are going to be doing any composite cutting, I'd make sure you
use a diamond bit or blade. Carbide works, but diamond will still last
longer. Also, if possible use water when cutting, this keeps the blade
cool and will make it last longer, and keep the dust down. Wet tile
saws work great.

Be sure to wear a mask, carbon fiber can get nasty.

Todd
www.sandwichpanels.org