Control surface hinges

[BRIAN COOMBS]

I am just finishing off a new set of Carbon wings for my Whisper and I am looking into the best way to hinge the flaps and ailerons. As far as I can see there are 4 types of hinge available to me: -

1 Traditional plastic hinge with hinge pin
2 Mylar strip Hinge
3 Hinge tape
4 Silicone hinge

1 I have looked into the traditional hinge option, and this leaves an air gap between the control surface and the wing, allowing high pressure air to migrate from one side of the wing to the other.

2 I have also experimented with Mylar hinges and they have the same problem as the traditional hinge, but also allow the control surface to move up and down a little at the fixed end.

So I am left with either a silicone hinge or hinge tape, which do I go for? I have no experience of either, I quite like the Idea of the silicone hinge, but I am a bit concerned about its strength? Can anybody help?

The silicone hinge explained, for you guys who have not seen this method before.

http://www.rc-soar.com/tech/silicone.htm

Thanks,

BC

[Fred]

Hi Brian,

I'll go for the Silicone hinges
Go for it, really easy to apply, and really strong.

After that, you can use tape, the best one is a chirurgical one name " BLENDERM", nerver saw it in Ireland, but I can have some.

Fred

[BRIAN COOMBS]

Thanks Fred, silicone it is then...

Are you going to come down for the Kerry fly in?

BC

[Fred]

Hi Brian,

Yep, so far, I'm in !  

[joe]

Hiya Brian
maybe this is of help?
http://www.rc-soar.com/tech/silicone.htm

[cvanscho]

I have just done silicone hinges on my Thorn.  Very easy and quick to do, and so far looking very strong.  The upper side gap is completely sealed and level as well. Pics and more deatils are on the thread on RCMF: http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php?topic=41311.60

  Chris

[BRIAN COOMBS]

cool,

what type of silicone did you use? I am having trouble finding colour seal?

That thorn of yours is going to fly at about 500mph I am looking forward to see how you get on with it! 24 oz/sq ft wing loading has got to be good for a laugh!!!!!!

BC

[cvanscho]

Hi

I used a bog-standard plumbers clear silicone cartridge - Dow Corning.

Yeah, a tad nervous of the maiden of the Thorn.  Not sure if laughing is what I'll be doing, unless it's the nervous giggle type of laughing :wink: The instructions say it likes to be "kept moving".  I bl***y bet it does!

Chris

[joe]

Doh!!
I just realised i posted the same link as you put in our original post Brian.
Gobshite!  :roll:

[cvanscho]

(Ahem!)

[BRIAN COOMBS]

Thanks everybody, it has worked realy well. now all I need is that 25 knot wind, I will post some pictures of the finished model, when I get a chance.

BC