Van's Air Force
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Engine Cowling Fiberglass
- Thread starter Sticky1
- Start date
Standard Aeropoxy 2032 is good to "over" 200 deg with a high temperature post cure.
http://www.ptm-w.com/dynamicdata/data/docs/aeropoxy pr2032 bulletin.pdf
Shadow Aero, model rocket builder sells a 400deg epoxy
http://www.shadowaero.com/TECHNICAL.htm
And another 400 deg epoxy resin;
http://www.freemansupply.com/datasheets/RenInfusion/8615.pdf
For what it is worth....I will be building custom glass cooling inlet/outlet ducts and have asked around. A Lancair builder, Chris Z. told me measured the temps under his cowl for his fiberglass plenum and told me high temp epoxy was not needed as the temps are highest after shutdown and don't get that high anyway. But, if you going to build something right against the cylinders, like a cooling shroud then you will need the high temp stuff, IMHO.
http://www.ptm-w.com/dynamicdata/data/docs/aeropoxy pr2032 bulletin.pdf
Shadow Aero, model rocket builder sells a 400deg epoxy
http://www.shadowaero.com/TECHNICAL.htm
And another 400 deg epoxy resin;
http://www.freemansupply.com/datasheets/RenInfusion/8615.pdf
For what it is worth....I will be building custom glass cooling inlet/outlet ducts and have asked around. A Lancair builder, Chris Z. told me measured the temps under his cowl for his fiberglass plenum and told me high temp epoxy was not needed as the temps are highest after shutdown and don't get that high anyway. But, if you going to build something right against the cylinders, like a cooling shroud then you will need the high temp stuff, IMHO.
db1yg
Well Known Member
Engine Cowl Fiberglass
Just as another data point--I used standard West Systems Epoxy to remake the flanges on my James cooling plenum. The entire front section and a significant portion of the rear flanges were cut off and replaced with West Sytems epoxy and 8 oz glass to give an appropriate fit. Since the plenum is so close to the engine and is subjected to significant heat soak after shut down I think this was a good indication of the strength and heat resistance of the standard West epoxy. No sagging or problems after 180+ hrs on the aircraft.
Cheers,
db
Just as another data point--I used standard West Systems Epoxy to remake the flanges on my James cooling plenum. The entire front section and a significant portion of the rear flanges were cut off and replaced with West Sytems epoxy and 8 oz glass to give an appropriate fit. Since the plenum is so close to the engine and is subjected to significant heat soak after shut down I think this was a good indication of the strength and heat resistance of the standard West epoxy. No sagging or problems after 180+ hrs on the aircraft.
Cheers,
db
PainterJohn
Well Known Member
I built a set of cowling and nose gear doors from scratch to fit the Ravin 500 with the LS1 V8 using West System.. The aircraft has about 40 hours of flight on it i think... Lots of ramp running and and taxi testing.
I did a wet layup and then let the new cowls cure out in a heated metal shed behind my house for a few days. Temps were around 125 during the day, and about 100 at night.. texas summer helped keep it nice and toasty in there.
Even with some over heating issues that the LS1 had before the radiators were enlarged, the cowlings along with the paint (Akzo Nobel single stage urethane) are holding up just fine.
I did a wet layup and then let the new cowls cure out in a heated metal shed behind my house for a few days. Temps were around 125 during the day, and about 100 at night.. texas summer helped keep it nice and toasty in there.
Even with some over heating issues that the LS1 had before the radiators were enlarged, the cowlings along with the paint (Akzo Nobel single stage urethane) are holding up just fine.
