One often hears interesting (and differing opinions) about what metals are best suited (or indeed unsuitable) for (relatively high-vibration) gyro manufacturing applications and I came across an interesting analysis of typical metals used in gyroplanes construction on another forum which I thought I'd tabulate for comparison.
I'm not a rocket science when it comes to metallurgy and used wiki definitions for the properties descriptions to help me understand the dynamics - but I would welcome insights from those with more knowledge and a better understanding of the pros and cons of using these various metals in gyro manufacture. It would also be interesting to know how carbon-fibre compares given the new generation of C-f monocoque machines, and an Oz company has recently started building gyros using a titanium airframe (at what cost ?? ).
I appreciate that in aviation there is always a compromise to be made with regards "functionality versus weight versus cost" so there probably isn't an outright "perfect metal winner" but it would be interesting to get an idea of what works best where?
Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
Moderators: Condor, FO Gyro, Gyronaut
Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
Dave Lehr
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
- MPL Pilot
- Whats the right frequency?
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Hartbeespoort
Re: Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
I am no guru on material strengths, always had a n interest in it and learned a lot during the certification of the UFO.Learjet wrote: It would also be interesting to know how carbon-fibre compares given the new generation of C-f monocoque machines,
This would give an indication of carbon fiber strength.
http://www.performance-composites.com/c ... ties_2.asp
It would be necessary to make up a model and test it for performance and keep the same molding in layers ect. for production.
For peace of mind I did a few of my own tests at work, shearing bolts and stretching various materials to measure the deformation and break points.
It was very interesting, our gyro's are built very well and over engineered in many places.
Will post some pictures of stress analysis that I have done on Autodesk Inventor, comparing aluminum and titanium.
If you fail.... get up and try again. That is the only way to succeed!
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
- MPL Pilot
- Whats the right frequency?
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Hartbeespoort
Re: Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
A simple bracket as in the picture
Material: Allum 7075 : Tatinuim
Weight : 0.02kg : 0.033kg
Load : 1000kg : 1000kg/1500kg
Displacement : 0.11mm : 0.079mm/0.11mm
Very interesting, for 0.013kg extra titanium can take 50% more load to have the same displacement as aluminum
Material: Allum 7075 : Tatinuim
Weight : 0.02kg : 0.033kg
Load : 1000kg : 1000kg/1500kg
Displacement : 0.11mm : 0.079mm/0.11mm
Very interesting, for 0.013kg extra titanium can take 50% more load to have the same displacement as aluminum
If you fail.... get up and try again. That is the only way to succeed!
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
- THI
- Pilot in Command
- Posts: 884
- Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:12 am
- Location: Potchefstroom - Noordwes
Re: Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
Pierre, we need to organize a north meets north so that we can talk this over over a fire and a braai.
Very interesting!
Very interesting!
Re: Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
Pierre
How did the software results compare to your actual shear / stress tests?
Bb
How did the software results compare to your actual shear / stress tests?
Bb
Fake people worry about their image.... Real people just don't give a damn!!!
- MPL Pilot
- Whats the right frequency?
- Posts: 275
- Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 9:33 pm
- Location: Hartbeespoort
Re: Analysis of metals used in gyroplanes
Sounds like a good idea, like I said, I am no guru with material strengths ect, found it fascinating to do tests of my own.THI wrote:Pierre, we need to organize a north meets north so that we can talk this over over a fire and a braai.
Very interesting!
I wanted to know if the mast, hang bolt, hub bar, cheek plates, and bolts keeping every thing together, was up to the job with the weight of the UFO, taking into account thermals giving bumpy rides, I found
that the materials used was at least 3X stronger than the ultimate load placed on the structure at the weakest point.
I found that the parts tested did not "break" at the point Inventor suggested failure, but with up to 20% more load.Baitbird wrote:How did the software results compare to your actual shear / stress tests?
It could be the setup I used for tests, or that they have a safety factor build into their calculations. There could be unknown factors involved, but I
know I am safe flying the UFO with the results obtained.
Another test was to check the "Teeter Bolt" up to break point, it is a 3/8 AN Bolt, It snapped at 9600kg
There is no way that a gyro of 700kg will exceed a safety factor of 13!!
We can fly with confidence, the guys with the thick glasses know what they are doing
Have fun
If you fail.... get up and try again. That is the only way to succeed!
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
ZS-VMS, ZU-RGG, ZU-FWY
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 35 guests