Imagination Takes Flight
II

Images:
VRML of design(details to be added)
Fore quarters
Competitions viewpoint
Nose
Side
Overhead
Tail
Directory of images

Things changed from old project:
• Completely new frame and shell. A mostly wood frame. Still considering materials for the shell.
• Floatation installed behind seat. Last model swamped tail first. Also, pontoons will be mounted higher.
• Higher rim for better swamp resistance.
• Better ground clearance and lower CG.

Things kept:

• General configuration. Things worked well on land, at least while the frame held up.
• Rear steering hardware.
• Main axel and associated hardware.
• Pontoons. May add decoration/aerodynamic additions.

Estimated weight of frame: 40 lbs.

Bending load in major diagonals:
m = 2 * 1/2 * 3.5^2 * 1.5 = 18.375
T = 220 lbs * 54/2 = 5720 in-lbs
S = T/m = 311 lb/in^2
vs 4000 lb/in^2 assumed strength of wood, 12:1 safety

Bending load, top rails:
m = 1/2 * 1.5^2 * 1.5 = 1.69
T = 200 * 54/2 = 5720
S = 3385 : too high, add strut to help.