curved centrfuge arms

[ldkinfo]

Scenario;
use curved blades for the centrifuge arms. This would allow longer blades within the same space used for straight blades. the pumpkin prior to start up would be located next to the blade hub and held in place by a release mechanism. Sensor and timer would release the pumpkin at the optimum point for flight. To keep the pumpkin centered as it rolled along the blade a U-shaped (or V) channel would be used. This would impart spin to the pumpkin.
Question: would the additional length of the arms and spin the pumpkin develops give it enough aerodynamic advantage
to warrant a design change ?

[tree_bucketdeuce]

Well, that would be interesting...kind of like jai ali..or whatever that crazy brazillian game is. you could def whip the life outta that gourd..but, getting that all rotating, sensed and ejected (while maintaining balance) would be quite difficult. Im sure someone will do it one day...too rich for my blood.

[ldkinfo]

Sensor and release mechanism costs are basically defined by how much you want to spend. The lowest cost would involve a cheap timer and a micro-switch. By playing with the timer you can get something close. Unfortunately this requires a lot of time you wouldn't have during competition, so you'll have to do a lot of homework and hope you'll get the same results. Machine control means either you do the work or machinery does the work. and the more you want a machine to do more you have to spend more. Compare the cost of a lathe to a CNC machine.
As to curved arms, practicality can only be proven by test and nothing destroys a good theory like the facts. But the point is, that even if curved arms were to prove ineffective or cost-prohibited, by considering the option, you might find something simpler or better and wonder why somebody didn't think of it earlier. If you want an example, check out Dec 2008 issue of "Wired" magazine and the story about the fatal flaw in the Internet. Just goes to show that even experts sometimes blow it.

[unitedflingdom2]

We have something else in mind for 2009!

[Hypertension]

Curving the beam is really all about structural integrity. Curving creates a greater hoop strength in the direction of the curve, But it is further enforced by webing the curve.

Straight can be done also by using tendons like HYPER T. Tendons offer the same offset forces that you get with a curve unless you get so ratical that you start getting losses in drag and weight.

Just my 2 cents..

THE KING OF SPRING

[TorsionRules]

i am sorry, but did i just read tuber from hypotension giving structural engineering advice to someone? any one remember the catastrophe of mangled slinkies when his machine (if you can call it that) imploded in spectacular fashion a while back?
my 2 cents...taking engineering advice from tuber is like taking public speaking lessons from bush

[Hypertension]

You would not know Engineering if it was your momma.

Blow chops is lucky he has "people" to figure things out for him while he puffs in the wind. Typical politician, knows nothing, takes credit for everything, and blames his problems on everybody else.

HyperT took 1 1/2 low grade carbon steel used for the axle, put 10 yrs of cycles on it designed for 3500lbs and failed with 22,000lbs. We knew it was coming, but rubbin is racing son! If you have margin, your not in it to win. BOTTOM LINE!

So feel free to TEACH me Engineering tornado lips....

THE KING OF SPRING

[TorsionRules]

Rule Number One:
No Slinkies. None. Never!

[unitedflingdom2]

Easy now, two torsion machine captains on the centrifuge site...what iz up whit dat?
United Flingdom III
Speed is gonna be where it's at!