The viability of epoxy/composite layups?

[Rick Starr]

http://www.boats.rkstarr.com/images/F35_10.jpg

Okay, not really boat related at all except in the most oblique way. Still, interesting as an analysis of methods.

Much more on the F-35 joint strike fighter HERE (http://ueba.com.br/html/F-35-Joint-Strike-Fighter) and do not miss page two. Beware a few annoying pop-ups.

[George Roberts]

I don't think they use room temp epoxy. I don't think they use e-glass.

Perhaps Carbon/carbon layups. (I did not read the article.)

[paladin]

They use pure carbon fiber, a very large autoclave and the final product is almost 1/2 inch thick and covers the top half of the aircraft and extends both ways to the wing roots.....and that's just the mid section. On the first prototype it was a solid block of titanium that was machined away to a very few hundred pounds, and it was too heavy....

[Matt J.]

Chuck is it even worth asking how you know this? Or will it cost me the outrageous sum of a cuppa coffee (which I'm overdue owing you on anyway)?

Neat technology.

[paladin]

I consulted on the project in Dallas, and that's where I had the first emergency operation . I had returned to the U.S. just to work on the project for 180 days....my job was re-engineering all antenna systems on the aircraft and weight reduction...
The engine in use generated a specific amount of thrust...so much of the energy goes to generators for the massive electronics package....
By designing more efficient antennas, and designing as slots, or skin imbedded, it reduces external drag, reducing the energy needed for jamming, communications, targeting etc.....if you can reduce the electronic energy consumption by 100 watts, it reduces the energy to generate the power for the engine, extending the operational range of the aircraft, reducing the specified weight in fuel and makes the damn machine go faster 'cause it dunno gotta drag more stuff around to do the intended job and lets it carry bigger missiles farther, faster, longer....

[paladin]

now ya owe me a BIG cuppa coffee.....

[Matt J.]

How can I argue with that? Well, for one thing, I'm not going to be buying you a venti java until your doc clears it; on the other hand, we can compromise: let me know when you want help with a certain rearranging and disposal project we discussed. That'll pay for a few ounces, and I'll bring the balance with me when we meet up.

[paladin]

I gotta couple of appointments after Easter, Matt....I do have an old drum I need to fill with water to fire up the Seagull, and need to inflate the new dink and maybe should have the liferaft repacked...and...and...whenever you feel you need some ribs and such....or we could go to Bobs' at Galesville fer crabcakes and such....

and I didn't mean to hijack this thread...sorry fellers...

[Hwyl]

[quote=paladin]...and...and...whenever you feel you need some ribs and such....or we could go to Bobs' at Galesville fer crabcakes and such....[quote]


You mean been sprouts and tofu --- right

[paladin]

no bean sprouts and tofu...the real deal here....