I myself am facing this stage and have investigated a supplier here in
Canada that sells various composite materials. Having studied the mechanical
properties stated in the catalogue as well as various opinions regarding the
subject from the Digest, I have decided upon "S-Glass" for it's superior
properties, heat resistance, weight and such. I ruled out carbon fiber as I
plan on having all antennae inside the wing or airframe structure as needed
to cut down drag as much as practical. I plan on laminating the main spar
with Kevlar 49 even though I'm sure it is fine the way it is. This is purely
a personal preference as an added safety factor. Seems the older we get the
more conscious we become about our personal safety. Over the years I have
had the rather discomforting experience of getting caught in clear air
turbulence as well as wing tip vortices of heavy aircraft that have long
departed the area. Luckily I managed to survive these encounters but the
stresses these aircraft were forced to endure made a lasting impression.
"S-Glass has 15% more stiffness and 30% more tensile strength of traditional
"E-glass" and maintains these qualities up to 1500 degrees F. It also has
superior impact resistance and is compatible with all resins. It is
advertised that one lamination of S-Glass can replace several laminations of
traditional E-Glass and is therefore lighter. Comments?
Doug Rupert
