Yesterday we load tested our wing up to 6g's. That means that more than 220 pounds of weight were on our wings. This was the biggest test of my success as structures specialist and the "Wing Man" (Since I and Nikki have been the two making the wings, I assume she'd be the "Wing Woman" or "Wing Girl"). Not only did they survive, but the cracking, popping and creaking that is expected (as tiny epoxy stringers and bubble and such break) were strangely absent. Even better than that we were probably within and eighth of an inch with each deflection prediction according to the FEA (Finite Element Analysis). Considering the estimates are usually about 50% off, there are two explanations. 1) We built the plane perfectly so far. 2) We overbuilt the plane and made up for any poor workmanship. 3) I messed up on the Ansys analysis. Whatever the problem was, we survived the test. In other news, I'm busy with senior design a lot this weekend. I promised
katzj an update like tuesday or wednesday of last week. It's coming, and with pictures... gotta be patient right now.
Current Mood: tired