From: N295VV@aol.com
Message-ID: <251e744c.369f18be@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 05:30:22 EST
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Re: Flutter Modification
Mime-Version: 1.0

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From: n295vv@aol.com

If Martin H. recommends 3 layers on the outside, put 3 layers on the outside,
or if impractical, 3 or 4 layers on the inside.  But 13 layers in a narrow
width on the inside--no way!

Such a stiff, unflexing  narrow flat post structure embedded linearly in the
interior of the tailcone is going to drastically change the way loads are
absorbed  and redistributed.  Stiffen one side of a cone, and you transfer
energy to some focus on the other side somewhere, or maybe even to some site
far away where it may cause catastrophic failure.

One of the reasons our planes stay in the sky is that parts have some degree
of flexibility.  This flexibility allows sudden loads to bend parts and spread
loads over larger areas rather than concentrating the load in a small area
which may result in failure.  Stiffness is a virtue up to some point--beyond
that point it is a liability.

I have enormous respect for Martin.  I have flown my plane at amazing speeds
at a distance of several times the circumference of the earth.  Amazingly,
nothing has fallen apart. Thanks, Martin.   And thanks, Lance.

David Jones, Pecatonica, Illinois