How do I make a wing? I can laser cut the ribs just fine but the actual surface is vexing me. If I cover it with something that can actually be bent over the ribs it will deform in wind, if I use something rigid it won't bend over the ribs. how do they do it? It also complicates matters that I want a curved wing.
We use cloth. Then paint it with a varnish for stiffness.
>>885661
yep. old school is varnished canvas. New school is thin aluminium over the ribs.
Generally, it's ok that it deforms SLIGHTLY with wind pressure, because it deforms in a predictable manner. you're going to have more issues with the wings flexing if you're expecting it to be totally rigid.
Something more rigid than cloth that may work is steambent wood plys glued up.
>>885661
For rc planes use that plastic wrap stuff. If you aren't a pussy cover it with nitrocellulose, it's like really light or something
Google 'wing covering'.
Pretty much you put something on that when treated (varnish or heat) slightly shrinks. I've done this on model aircraft using tissue paper and very watered down pva glue.
>>885677
Stits polyfiber system
>>885677
>>nitrocellulose
>holy shit
that's LACQUER
>>885661
I did something similar for a project at uni. We used shrinking foil and a hair dryer and it worked out pretty well.
>>885677
billiard balls were once made of nitrocellulose. Nothing to worry about.
>>885661
use solarfilm - measure and wrap the wing, then iron it on
>>885661
Also, if that pic is from your wing, your cross-section is shit. You should at least use an I-profile.
Balsa wood
>>885661
I hope you're not intending to fly in your contraption.
>>885661
Nice looking ribs. Spars look like shit.
Spars are like I-beams. They take all the bending load. Because of this, they should look like I-beams and be the full height of the wing section.
Stringers and cross-bracing would be good as well.
>>885661
Biplanes where covered in lacquered fabric. Just make sure you don't accidentally make nitrocellulose.
>>886562
A rectangular tube profile is even better, as an I-profile can't resist any twist.
t. someone who's wing got twisted during the heat shrinking.
