5-90
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Hammerspace
I don't recall the thread, but someone posted ideas for a laminated skid plate last week, and I said I'd beat it around with my Materials & Processes teacher - as well as my return idea about the wriggly tin between the lightweight plates.
It was decided that the laminate/weld idea wasn't going to fly - for the reasons I stated.
My idea wouldn't work - after the first hit. The "column strength" that would be gained from the compressed wriggly tin is fine - until the panel gets deformed. Since the strength element can't recover its original shape, the strength is lost.
The "crux of the biscuit" is that the strength member won't recover its original shape after taking a hit
Alternate Plan #1 - Similar idea, different strength member. Get some of the rubber "drainage" work mat (with all the holes,) and put that between two 1/8" or so steel plates. Use bushings to prevent seriously compressing the strength member, and bolt together (or retain with the mounting bolts, along with others at intervals.) Paint fully prior to assembly.
Alternate Plan #2 - Aluminum. Since aluminum carries about 1/3 the weight of steel, go with an aluminum plate the same thickness or greater. A 1/2" aluminum plate will mass about half that of a 3/8" steel plate, will be easier to fabricate and work, can be bent readily using a torch and some sort of form, and won't rust. Check around for dealers in scrap and rems to find usable sections.
This is, of course, predicated on reducing the weight of the mod - I can understand that, 3/8" steel is heavy! I may do the aluminum myself once I get a few other things done...
I didn't put this in Fab Tech because it just didn't seem worthy... But, it IS a modifications, so I wound up here.
Anyone else care to weigh in - on either plan?
5-90
It was decided that the laminate/weld idea wasn't going to fly - for the reasons I stated.
My idea wouldn't work - after the first hit. The "column strength" that would be gained from the compressed wriggly tin is fine - until the panel gets deformed. Since the strength element can't recover its original shape, the strength is lost.
The "crux of the biscuit" is that the strength member won't recover its original shape after taking a hit
Alternate Plan #1 - Similar idea, different strength member. Get some of the rubber "drainage" work mat (with all the holes,) and put that between two 1/8" or so steel plates. Use bushings to prevent seriously compressing the strength member, and bolt together (or retain with the mounting bolts, along with others at intervals.) Paint fully prior to assembly.
Alternate Plan #2 - Aluminum. Since aluminum carries about 1/3 the weight of steel, go with an aluminum plate the same thickness or greater. A 1/2" aluminum plate will mass about half that of a 3/8" steel plate, will be easier to fabricate and work, can be bent readily using a torch and some sort of form, and won't rust. Check around for dealers in scrap and rems to find usable sections.
This is, of course, predicated on reducing the weight of the mod - I can understand that, 3/8" steel is heavy! I may do the aluminum myself once I get a few other things done...
I didn't put this in Fab Tech because it just didn't seem worthy... But, it IS a modifications, so I wound up here.
Anyone else care to weigh in - on either plan?
5-90