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gokartmaniac
Apprentice
Germany
105 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 18 2003 : 9:29:49 PM
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is it possible to build a paraglider out of plastic sheeting if so has anybody done it before it should be simple just plastic sheeting with some paratrooper cord atached to a home built harness and whate for some wind right well thats what im thinking and how many mill should the sheeting be ?
Seth A. Meredith |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2003 : 11:36:21 AM
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I've done this (about 10 years ago). Nearly killed myself. My opinion is that if you have to ask, don't do it.
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gokartmaniac
Apprentice
Germany
105 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2003 : 09:57:21 AM
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i did some research exstensive research and it apears nobodys ever done this and posted it on the web dose anybody have a link or something would you knead air pockets if so howed you make them i decided that ten feet wide thirty feet long pice of plastic sheeting would be big enough you think thank you
Seth A. Meredith |
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BEatonNo1
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1133 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2003 : 10:52:12 AM
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I think plastic sheeting would be to heavy, I would go for a synthetic fabric. the key is to have the balance point at the exact center of gravity. hanggliders are controlled by the pilot moving his weight around the center of gravity.
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kenmce
Member
35 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2003 : 3:03:50 PM
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I don't believe plastic is the way to go for something that will carry a person. I would suggest silk or rip-stop nylon or parachute cloth instead.
You are trying to re-invent the hang-glider. Just google for hang gliders and you can see how big a wing you will need.
I suggest that you don't use the wind to test it. Run down a hill and see if you can glide close to the hill. Don't try to fly high until you have good control flying low.
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gokartmaniac
Apprentice
Germany
105 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2003 : 11:25:14 AM
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i think you are thinking a paraglider and a hang glider are the same thing a paraglider is the oval shaped parashute thing and i want to use plastic sheeting because it readily availible in korea also do you kneed air chambers thank you
Seth A. Meredith |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2003 : 09:49:28 AM
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Air chambers are required to inflate the wing to get a proper airfoil shape. I wouldn't suggest plastic sheeting either. Once it begins to tear, it rips right through. It is also difficult to get a good anchor point to attach lines...Now, if you were going to skin an airplane wing, plastic sheeting would work well.
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BEatonNo1
Nobel Prize Winner
USA
1133 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2003 : 7:22:45 PM
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I always thought they had a honeycomb shape to increase surface area adding lift.
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2003 : 09:11:51 AM
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That could be it as well. 
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n/a
DELETED (Inactive)
56 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2003 : 2:24:13 PM
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I'm not sure plastic would work either. I'm just reasoning here:
Fabric has a higher shear and tensile strength than plastic does. I think the plastic would eventually stretch enough to distort the air flow, and possibly start flapping, causing extreme drag. As stated earlier, the plastic is easier to tear, especially at the anchor points. I'm thinking of a few mills plastic here. I don't think any commercially available plastic is going to be safe enough to use on a craft that holds a human life.
If you're still bent on creating a plastic covered hang glider, I would suggest builing a RC model first. This will allow you to examine the plastic vs. fabric idea before lives are at stake.
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plastic sheeting paraglider
