On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 22:55:44 -0400, "Morgans"
wrote:


"Tedstriker" wrote

The only shock absorber I have is the foam in the seat cushion. So I
am thinking that the belly pod should be reinforced to possibly
provide some shock absorbing ability. Couldn't hurt.

Remember that parts tearing off, also removes energy. I'm not so sure that
I wouldn't design it to break away, after some reasonable stress.

Is it possible to put some closed cell Styrofoam (like cheap ice chests)
between your seat foam and the floor? That is what is in motorcycle
helmets.

I agree with your assessment that the pod up or down isn't a significant
issue. Personally, I would go with what looks best.

Yes, and the pod that is designed for the eze's is better inverted on
my plane's belly, as that way the pod's tail has an upsweep, and
better ground clearance in the 3-point attitude.
I may in fact have room to put some closed cell foam under the pilots
seat. And if so, I'll put some in there. I forgot to mention, the
pilot's seat is a canvas sling-type attached to a 4130 steel frame. So
that would probably stretch and provide some additional cushioning, if
it didn't tear. If that happened, that would be the time to have the
foam underneath.
The break away idea sounds reasonable, so I won't get carried away
making it too strong. If it were, I would assume it would transfer
stress to other areas of the airframe, causing other failures.