Bonding 2-piece carbon fibre wing


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Hanaldo
Hanaldo
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Hey all,

Done a bit of reading, and I know this topic has been covered several times before but I couldn't find the answer I was after.

I'm currently building a rear wing blade using a 2-piece split mould. Originally I was going to do 2 layers 2x2 twill weave carbon, one layer of 3mm Soric, then one more layer of the twill weave. I was then simply going to bond the two halves together using a strong epoxy adhesive. 

However, I had a thought this morning about making some strengthening ribs to go inside the two halves, probably out of balsa wood. Then use expanding polyurethane foam to bond the two halves together. 

My thought trail was this will give me both a very high strength bond, as well as a bit more structural reinforcement. A bit more added weight sure, but it's not going to be super heavy anyway. However, I'm a little unsure as to how I would go about using the foam. I've played with the stuff before, and it has the potential to make quite the mess if I don't get the two halves together in time. Would I be better off leaving the parts untrimmed before bonding, then trim them after? To limit mess and make sure the foam doesn't spill out of the part and lock them into the mould? Or is there a better way to prevent foam leaking out?



Or should I just stick with the idea of bonding the two halves together?

Thanks for any help,
Martin.
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Hanaldo
Hanaldo
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Hmmm, now there's an idea. Although, it almost defeats the purpose of doing it. I suppose it will still give me greater bond strength and a reinforced core.

I just like the idea of the wing being as close to one piece as I can get it. Unfortunately I think I would run into the same problems as you Warren, I won't be able to work out how much foam I need to put into the void.
Zorongo
Zorongo
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You can calculate it.

You need two data. The density of the foam ONCE EXPANDED. And the volume to be filled.

density = weigth / volume.  So: requiered weigth = volume x density (mind units)

Mix that weigth and if the density is correct, it will expand to the expected volume.

I've used that estimation for bouyancy reservoirs on boats. As density is normally not accurate, it´s advisable (sorry if not correct) to leave exits for foam excess. If not, expansion pressure may damage the joint.

By the way, keep in mind that expanded PU foam is not an structural surface to act as a bonding surface, as it may suffer cohesive breakage (debonding bet ween PU particles)

I would do: First half + bond ribs + bond second half. Much ligther and good acess to make a propper epoxy bonding half to half.

Suggest: On the lines where the ribs will seat, laminate one +/- 45º stripe about 100 to 150 mm wide. This will avoid local stress on the surfafe, will distribute the rib´s strength into a wider area.

(just an outsider´s opinion  Smile )
Edited 11 Years Ago by Zorongo
GO

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