Several Questions all wrapped into one thread:
I have seen most HWS ribs attached at a 90 degree angle to the stringer. I saw one example of Dan Hess putting his ribs back at like a 30 or 45 degree angle or something like that. I believe I read somewhere that adjusting the angle of the ribs can alter the flex patterns of a HWS. Is this true?
If so, then what is the explanation behind this?
If no, what options does one have in altering the flex pattern of a HWS?
Moreover, how can you get an accurate stringer-to-rail contour for a rib vs. the way you would do a contour for a rib straight out (90 degrees) from the stringer to the rail?
Any tried and proven methods out there?
I even saw Rich B.'s rib transfer calipers, but couldn’t get my printer to print the template out full sized.
Furthermore, can the angular direction/orientation in the weave of fiberglass cloth be laid out on a board during lamination to allow different flex patterns? I ask this because I read the fin articles in the latest Surfer’s Journal and learned that George Greenough and or Curtis Hasselgrave gave Brad Gerlach a fin panel laid up with carbon fiber. Brad’s fin was templated and cut out with the weave at a 45 degree angle, which significantly altered the flex pattern of the fin in comparison to the same fin cut out with the weave at 90 degrees.
I figured that the same thing could be done in laminating a board during the glassing process to make the entire structure flex more than it would with the status quo of pulling the cloth directly off the roll and laying it out on the board with everything being the same direction.
Am I just grasping at straws?
Has this been done?
Anyone have any input on all of these questions?
Thanks,
Dave