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Old 13 November 2008, 07:27 AM   #515 (permalink)
Joe Perkel
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Miami / Sebring, Florida
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Watertight Bulkheads

Quote:
Originally Posted by David Paule View Post
I thought of another alternative... adding more watertight bulkheads. You'd need more inspection ports, too.


David,

This is the consultants proposed design changes, with the exception of the extra transverse bulkheads, which I added. My idea being increased rigidity because of my concern of his deletion of the 3" rib spacing. He cited "hard points" as a potential issue. If I eliminated the lightening holes, you would now have two extra watertight compartments. Also, look what happens to the hand holes now.

Not being my area of expertise and unsure of his design, I am inclined now (again) to "run home to mama" and go with the original design for authenticity and relative piece of mind.

However, the discussion has prompted me to seriously consider going with solid ply webs for the bulkheads in leu of canvas for three reasons.

- I am convinced that they considered this to outlast the service life of the aircraft

- I would not be able to get to those canvas bulkheads so easy for replacement.

- I'm not convinced of their integrity in a pinch.

Thanks David!
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