Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #5734
From: Angier M. Ames <alphadog@nii.net>
Subject: Re: Static buildup - LNC2
Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2000 09:10:01 -0400
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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Given the fact that I am completely ignorant on this subject....

and given the fact that I've got a carbon fiber horizontal stab and elevators...

What, if anything could be done to help lessen static buildup?

How about static wicks on the elevators and bonded to the stab which is then
grounded to engine?
How about the same at wingtips, connected via adhesive metallic tape and also
grounded?

Do any of you know of useful links to sites which focus on this issue?

Thanks,

Angier Ames


[As you may or may not know, Bill Maddox had a company called SAS
which sold speedbrakes and static wicks.  He closed that organization
but has opened the doors for business on a new company called Aero
Options, Inc., and I'm in the process of putting the finishing touches
on his new website as this is being written.  It has quite a lot of info
about the whats and whys of static wicks and as soon as it's done I'll
announce it here so you can check it out.  Static wicks will certainly help
with the static buildup problem on a 360, but they all must be bonded to
the aircraft's ground bus to have the most effect.  It takes 15 wicks to
do the job properly, 3 at the outboard ends of each control surface.  On
the LIV the distance between wick centers is supposed to be 12" but on
a 360 (due to the reduced size of the components) you could probably
reduce their separation to 10" and they would still function admirably.  
Bill's wick kits include not only the wicks but the mounting billets and
ground straps to tie them into the ground bus.  Installation on carbon
fiber components requires the use of conductive epoxy, and that is
included with Bill's wick kit as well.   One of the nice things
about Bill's mounting method is that it allows for easy replacement of
the wicks should any of them get damaged.  An attendant benefit is
that you can remove the wicks if you're going to leave the airplane
parked in the open (like on the flightline at Oshkosh) to keep them
from being broken by passers-by.  If you need a set of wicks but don't
want to wait until I complete the website you can reach Bill at
509-932-4445 or email him at billmaddox@speedbrakes.com.

    <Marv>     ]

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