Date:	Fri, 7 Apr 1995 10:38:24 -1000
From:	jmnelson@tigger.stcloud.msus.edu
Message-Id: <3m47s0$n86@urvile.MSUS.EDU>
Organization: ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY, ST. CLOUD, MN
Subject: Reinforcing an Arch

In discussing the construction of an arch, and in reviewing the few
articles I have seen regarding an arch, the design seems to recommend
a supporting strip about 1/4 down from the leading edge.

I am tempted to try using a reinforcing line for both leading and trailing
edge and attached to the end spars. Will this be a waste of time, or might
it fly? Seems easier to reinforce the edges than to do so in the body of such
a long strip of material.

Constructive criticism appreciated. 


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Date:	Fri, 7 Apr 1995 21:47:40 -1000
From:	dkyte@aol.com (Dkyte)
Message-Id: <3m5f2s$qe2@newsbf02.news.aol.com>
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
Subject: Re: Reinforcing an Arch

If I remember what George Peters said in his Arch kite class, that strip
helps form a foil shape the the arch.

Then again, maybe I got it wrong.  It wouldn't be the first time.
=====================================
Joe Schiros 
>No one ever went broke underestimating 
>the taste of the American public.
                                     --H. L. Mencken
=====================================


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Date:	Mon, 10 Apr 1995 05:29:29 -1000
From:	dquad@aol.com (DQuad)
Message-Id: <3mbisp$6br@newsbf02.news.aol.com>
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
Subject: Re: Reinforcing an Arch



Building Arches:

     The reinforcing strip along the leading edge , and 1/4 of the way
down is a good idea. The strip along the trailing edge may cup the Arch,
and not let it have enough lift(Too much  down like a Rev). On the arch I
built( 75 feet x 41 in), I put a 175# line of dacron line 1/4 of the way
down, with a doubled 3.9 oz strip of leading edge cloth along the leading
edge. Spars every 3 feet, pockets on the back, PVC handles enclosed on
each end. Used the old Kitelines article, and experience flying Pete
Dolphin's 150 foot Rainbow Arch several times.
     There seems to be some relationship between the length and height,
and how well it flies. The deeper it is, the longer it needs to be??!!?? I
use a "bridle" of about 20 feet attached to a short piece of 3/4 in PVC on
either end. This seems to distribute the stress better acacross the arch.
This bridle allows it to be flown higher, and to  tune or balance the pull
>From a central point. It seems a width of of maybe 30 - 36 in "might" have
been better for  75 feet. It flies better in light winds with the bridles
attached.
        Blew out one of the handles yesterday when flying it attached at
either end to a soccer goal and backstop. Wind gusted big, and with it not
being able to release pressure, the force found the weakest point in the
chain and brutalized it. Oh well, better now than later.
        The only advice is to build it and fly it. In any form they are a
blast!!

later....................dave arnold 


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