Graphene gliders

On 12/28/2010 6:59 PM, wrote:
On Dec 28, 6:35 pm, Mark wrote:
But think what could be done to the aspect ratio.....

Mark

Can you say "low Reynolds number?"
UH

Curable by speed! :-)

Clearly 'practical graphene' will require extensive, systemic thought (and
probably not a little new 'aereodynamic' research), but my nickel is on it
happening. After all, who can seriously imagine glider designers whining about
having a material so good it *hurts* their ability to improve performance
because it's too light?!?

Regards,
Bob W.

On Dec 28, 7:29*pm, Bob Whelan wrote:
On 12/28/2010 6:59 PM, wrote:

On Dec 28, 6:35 pm, Mark *wrote:
But think what could be done to the aspect ratio.....

Mark

Can you say "low Reynolds number?"
UH

Curable by speed! *:-)

Clearly 'practical graphene' will require extensive, systemic thought (and
probably not a little new 'aereodynamic' research), but my nickel is on it
happening. After all, who can seriously imagine glider designers whining about
having a material so good it *hurts* their ability to improve performance
because it's too light?!?

Regards,
Bob W.

My bet would be designers will use the immense strength to eliminate
Va, Vb and Vne speeds. A glider would reach terminal velocity first.
A higher turbulence penetration speed would facilitate higher inter-
thermal speeds. It would be especially beneficial for high altitude,
long distance XC wave flights. Imagine a 300 knot low pass.

At the SSA Conference in PHL we're doing a session on Future
Composites and I'll be discussing the latest graphene and smart
materials technology. We are indeed approaching a tipping point where
nano-reinforcements and active materials will change the structural
paradigm, which in turn will drive aerodynamic advancements.

Bob

On Dec 29, 6:04*am, RL wrote:
At the SSA Conference in PHL we're doing a session on Future
Composites and I'll be discussing the latest graphene and smart
materials technology. We are indeed approaching a tipping point where
nano-reinforcements and active materials will change the structural
paradigm, which in turn will drive aerodynamic advancements.

Bob

I'd be more concerned about vertical acceleration in turbulence and
cracking my head on the canopy if the glider were really this light.

1200 pounds gross is where I would like to be - it might be a
challenge to find space for 900 lbs of water ballast.

Mike

On Dec 29, 3:31*am, Anne wrote:
On Dec 29, 6:04*am, RL wrote:

At the SSA Conference in PHL we're doing a session on Future
Composites and I'll be discussing the latest graphene and smart
materials technology. We are indeed approaching a tipping point where
nano-reinforcements and active materials will change the structural
paradigm, which in turn will drive aerodynamic advancements.

Bob

I'd be more concerned about vertical acceleration in turbulence and
cracking my head on the canopy if the glider were really this light.

1200 pounds gross is where I would like to be - it might be a
challenge to find space for 900 lbs of water ballast.

Mike

BTDT! Bashed the canopy OFF my Speed Astir with my cranium a couple
years ago!