MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Carbon Advice Please

I wish to modify my Jacko mast with two extra slots for control lines below the goose neck around spinnaker halyard slot height. If it was an ali mast I wouldn't think twice about but - carbon - Jacko makes me nervous.

Anyone seriously against it or is it generally OK with care?

Thanks

Carl


Posted: 26/02/2007 20:16:53
By: CarlW
Why not ask Jacko direct? He was incredibly helpful when I wanted to put a couple of non-standard things on a new mast. From basic engineering training donkey's years ago I do recall that if you cut a hole in a stressed surface you should put reinforcing layer around the rim or it may well tear. Easy to do with carbon tape and epoxy.


Posted: 26/02/2007 20:30:18
By: Mike Fitz
I would be nervous too.  A hole causes a weakness.  Lots of holes in the same area, more weakness.  Why do they used to sell stamps with perforated edges - so you can pull them apart more easily!  Is the benefit of the control line worth the risk of failure?


Posted: 26/02/2007 22:15:53
By: no expert, but
Ah, but haven't you heard that the strongest parts of a cheque  are the perforations - try tearing one out.

Seriously - holes are not good - commonly known as stress raisers. You would have to know what the stresses are at a particular point to be able ascertain best shaped hole, and that would have to strengthened around its edges. The Comet comes to mind!

Speak to Jacko.

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/exhibitions/comet/comet5.cfm

Posted: 26/02/2007 22:26:24
By: Miles
What do you want to do that is non-standard and why do you wish to do it?


Posted: 27/02/2007 08:29:08
By: Chris
Ever tried to tear toilet paper along the holes?


Posted: 27/02/2007 08:39:09
By: .
Thanks for the input - Took the majority advice - spoke with Jacko WTS


Posted: 27/02/2007 13:28:11
By: CarlW
Bet Jacko's reply was along the lines of:

'Hmmmm! What do I think?'

'Hmmm'. Don't think we're terribly happy about that'.

Marks out of ten for accuracy?

GGGGGGG


Posted: 27/02/2007 13:52:19
By: GGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGG

He was obviously going for it today, went into tension, compression, sailing, all the sort of things I know v-little about, there was more but I think if I put it on the forum he could get v-busy over the next month or two.

Remembers the mast well - I think I'll try the tested and approved method as per very well known crew first designed!


Posted: 27/02/2007 16:39:20
By: CarlW
Jacko actually answered the phone !!!!


Posted: 27/02/2007 22:18:31
By: IanL

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