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Re: Re: Re: Re: Steel vs. Aluminum

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Posted By Randy on March 07, 2002 at 22:36:36:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Steel vs. Aluminum posted byPat Ryan on March 07, 2002 at 14:54:47:

: I need to clarify. My company is not looking to purchase a rigid truss system, if that were the case we would likely not be having this debate. What we are doing is designing a system in-house that will compete with systems currently on the market. The part about this project that has me in a bunch is the fact that we are requiring each section of truss to collapse in order reduce its volume for packing. There are no rigid planes and the entire structure relies on the strength of the individual members. Knowing this, are we still comfortable with aluminum?

Pat,
Oh, ... Well, Pat look at the T6 6061 aluminum tubes used to build hang gliders and ultra lites. If you ever handle a pice of this material you wil be sure, without a doubt, you have the choice material in your hands. Very firm in thin thicknesses at feather lightness. My volt is YES we are still happy with aluminum in that configuration. Else, aircraft would not be so strong and light even before composites.

Does that help? Food for thought, you may consider telescoping tubes to pop your 33" sections into something like 50" sections that snap together. ..I dauh know. Works for me. This material takes well to press fit and bonded ends, which strengthens the weaker point, the ends. I humbly suggest you get your hands on a few feet and play with it. It goes by the trade jargon name of 'aircraft structrual tubing', and comes in several sizes and thicknesses. Also, if you decide to go with it, perhaps you know this ( just trying to help), be sure to check into purchasing a mill run form the foundry. A mill run requires you purchase one complete truck load and saves a 'ton' ( pun intended) on money.

Good luck with your idea.

Follow Ups

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Steel vs. Aluminum

Comments:: : I need to clarify. My company is not looking to purchase a rigid truss system, if that were the case we would likely not be having this debate. What we are doing is designing a system in-house that will compete with systems currently on the market. The part about this project that has me in a bunch is the fact that we are requiring each section of truss to collapse in order reduce its volume for packing. There are no rigid planes and the entire structure relies on the strength of the individual members. Knowing this, are we still comfortable with aluminum? : Pat, : Oh, ... Well, Pat look at the T6 6061 aluminum tubes used to build hang gliders and ultra lites. If you ever handle a pice of this material you wil be sure, without a doubt, you have the choice material in your hands. Very firm in thin thicknesses at feather lightness. My volt is YES we are still happy with aluminum in that configuration. Else, aircraft would not be so strong and light even before composites. : Does that help? Food for thought, you may consider telescoping tubes to pop your 33" sections into something like 50" sections that snap together. ..I dauh know. Works for me. This material takes well to press fit and bonded ends, which strengthens the weaker point, the ends. I humbly suggest you get your hands on a few feet and play with it. It goes by the trade jargon name of 'aircraft structrual tubing', and comes in several sizes and thicknesses. Also, if you decide to go with it, perhaps you know this ( just trying to help), be sure to check into purchasing a mill run form the foundry. A mill run requires you purchase one complete truck load and saves a 'ton' ( pun intended) on money. : Good luck with your idea.

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