Building Materials, Excluding Covering

[illusionist]

Discussion for all other materials used in helicopters.

[thedoctor]

How do those plastic produce bags (those thin things) compare to tissue? Is it lighter? Since my school has JV teams who would die trying to use mylar film I'm looking for a suitable substitute that's not too difficult to work with.

[thedoctor]

Oh whoops sorry I misread the title. I'll repost in the correct thread.

[chia]

Huh. I just got my rules book, and the only specification on materials is this:

Boron filaments must not be used anywhere on the helicopter. Any other material may be used anywhere on the helicopter.

Crazy stuff. I didn't know they ever made it that open.

[illusionist]

:O really?!?

That's gonna make things so much easier for some newbie teams

[chalker]

:O really?!?

That's gonna make things so much easier for some newbie teams

We sure hope so. We also are looking forward to a lot of the national's teams using unobtainium ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unobtainium )

[illusionist]

Lol. Hmm... would I get penalized for using an unethical material on my copter? =P

[chia]

I suppose based on the rules they can't penalize you, but they'd probably give you dirty looks

[thedoctor]

I'm dying to get my hands on the rules but I somehow doubt our coach has them yet x-(

[Frogger4907]

Mr. Anderson,
What would be your recommendations as far as bearings go? Any favorites? Certain ones better than others? etc.
edit: If you were doing this event and you had to choose a bearing which one and why?
Thanks.

[chalker]

Lol. Hmm... would I get penalized for using an unethical material on my copter? =P

Nah.. go ahead and use all the blood diamonds, elephant ivory, whale blubber, exotic rainforest woods, mink fur, and child sweatshop fabric you want! I'm sure it'll result in a very high performance device;)

[jander14indoor]

Mr. Anderson,
What would be your recommendations as far as bearings go? Any favorites? Certain ones better than others? etc.
edit: If you were doing this event and you had to choose a bearing which one and why?
Thanks.

Whatever I had on hand that was reasonably suitable. Not much magic in the bearings other than straight and low friction.

Hmmm, on hand I have home-made Al prop hangers similar to penny-plane bearings like this: http://www.a2zcorp.us/store/ProductDetailNP.asp?Cguid= {973F36F5-56FB-4C69-8F18-684721A4F07B}&ProductID=4338 I'd probably use these as it is easy to change rotors and try different things.

I have the materials to make wire pigtail bearings. Like this: http://www.indoorduration.com/INAVHobbyShopper3.htm But since I have the others handy, I probably wouldn't take the time.

To reduce friction I'd use brass or teflon washers like these: http://www.a2zcorp.us/store/ProductDetailNP.asp?Cguid= {973F36F5-56FB-4C69-8F18-684721A4F07B}&ProductID=1202 I always put two on the prop wire between the rotor and the prop hanger.

The key is low friction, the rotor shouldn't hang up at all, and low weight.

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

[Frogger4907]

Thank you sir! Your input is always appreciated!

[theandrew]

Does anyone know of a material stronger but yet lighter than balsa? I've looked at carbon fiber, but I'm not convinced it's worth the time and energy. The reason I ask is for the new chinook style incentive. I have some designs, but keeping the weight low is a HUGE issue.

Thanks

[Frogger4907]

Does anyone know of a material stronger but yet lighter than balsa? I've looked at carbon fiber, but I'm not convinced it's worth the time and energy. The reason I ask is for the new chinook style incentive. I have some designs, but keeping the weight low is a HUGE issue.

Thanks

I already made a Chinook style helicopter to 4.1 grams, a few tweaking and my scores could get ridiculous