Pietenpol-List: struts that join the two fuselage sides

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 7:50 pm

Original Posted By: "DJ Vegh"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: struts that join the two fuselage sidesHi,I have reviewed all the pietenpol videos and pictures that I have been able to get at fly-in's and off the Internet. I cannot determine for certain if thewooden struts (ash and spruce) that join the two fuselage sides are to be glued to the spruce or onto the inside gussets (e.g. should gussets on the insideof the fuselage sides be notched out in areas where they prevent the spruce struts from contacting the spruce on the fuselage sides). I just don't know what is the preferred practise. Sorry for asking such a basic question but I have two fuselage sides which I have just finished that were meant for each other and I don't want to keep them apart any longer than I have to. Norm & Adrienne DecouNormDecou(at)aol.comFull set of ribs and fuselage sides donetail feathers, and Corvair engine in progress________________________________________________________________________________

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 8:10 pm

Original Posted By:
as far as I know builders have done one of two methods.1. glue the cross pieces to the gussets.2. notch the side gussets to allow cross pieces to glue directly to thelongerons.I glued mine to the gussets. In my opinion it's extra work not needed tonotch the gussets. The real strength of the joint comes from the top/bottomgussets that connect the cross pieces to the longerons.DJ VeghN74DVMesa, AZwww.imagedv.com/aircamper----- Original Message -----

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 8:34 pm

Original Posted By: javier cruz

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 12:47 am

Original Posted By: dpilot

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 6:36 am

Original Posted By:
Not a bad question . . . I think all of the other answers are right, put thegussets on first, the strength of these pieces is in compression anyway.Glueing it to the floorboard does more than what would be gained by notchingthe gusset anyway.BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, what gear are you using? and which fuselage are youbuilding??? There are considerations that MUST be made regarding thesepieces, size, location. Mike Cuy and others can verify that I brought upthis point at Brodhead and most others had not noticed.I am late for work now and I will detail what I am talking about later. Letme know which gear/fuselage.Gene----- Original Message -----

matronics · Post by **matronics** » Wed Sep 10, 2003 2:07 pm

Original Posted By: "Gadd, Skip"
The ash pieces on the floor would only be in compression on the ground. Inthe air they're in tension. The struts are trying to pull the floor in twodifferent directions.walt evansNX140DL----- Original Message -----

Brodhead Pietenpol Association