|
Friday 19th October, 2001
Windjet completes thorough static load test programme
Because of the
massive loads
the Windjet craft must endure during a high speed run,
thorough
testing of the craft must be completed prior to every record run. This is
to
ensure that the craft can withstand high load without failure which, at
speeds
in excess of 100 mph, could prove fatal for the pilot.
|
Static load,
equal
to one and a half times the maximum load the craft would experience
at high
speed, is applied to the craft via weights and winches. The weights
simulate
the vertical forces produced by the stub wings and the winch load,
applied
to the sail horizontally, adds additional load. |
| This combination
in
akin to 'flying a wheel' (where the side forces produced by the sail
begin
to tip the craft over) and hence this is a good proof that the craft
can
withstand such loads. This kind of testing puts enormous strain on
the tyres,
wheels and running gear, as can be seen by the deformation of the
tyre in
the image on the right. |
|
Needless to say,
Windjet
passed these tests admirably and further proved her readiness to
challenge the
records.
Back to Windjet Home Page
HOME [  windjet
home page
]
ABOUT [ about
windjet windjet
team achievements
project
history news
archive
]
LAND [ current
holder windjet
vehicle record
location competitors
]
ICE [ current
holder windjet
vehicle record
location competitors
]
WATER [ current
holder windjet
vehicle record
location competitors
]
FORUM [ discussion
forum
]
SUPPORT [ sponsors
merchandise
e-mail
updates
]
PRESS [ faq's
image
archive press
releases notes to
editors press
list
]
CONTACT [ contact
details
]
|
_r2_c1.jpg){kind=small}
_r11_c1.jpg)
