Date:	Thu, 31 Aug 1995 10:48:55 -1000
From:	marty@amc.com (Marty Akerman)
Message-Id: <1995Aug31.204855.1872@amc.com>
Organization: Applied Microsystems, Redmond, WA
Subject: 50 sq ft Flowform


Here's a question for you experienced single line kite builders:

I am interested in making a somewhat larger flowform, around 50 square feet.
I have built two smaller flowforms (9 sq. ft. and 15 sq. ft), and now want
to make one a bit bigger.  Not huge, not mammoth, but definately substantially
larger than anything I've made before.

My question is:  are there any sort of rules of thumb that indicate what
weight of fabric should be used?  Does it depend on how many cells and/or
keels the kite has?  My 15 sq. ft. kite has four cells, and three keels, and
uses 3/4 ounce fabric.  I'm thinking that the 50 footer should have eight
cells just to maintain the airfoil shape, and five keels.  Does this sound
reasonable?  Any difference in the top and bottom vent hole locations or sizes?

If I need to use 1.5 ounce (or anything besides 3/4 ounce) fabric, where do
I get it?  I've only seen 1.5 ounce fabric at a few places, and the selection
of colors was very small.  What sort of fabric might be available at sail
maker's shops, or where do ballon makers get their fabric?  Or are those
fabrics not acceptable for some reason?

Is there anything else that should be done differently compared to a smaller
kite?  I would think that the aspect ratio and airfoil shape should be the
same as the smaller kites.  How do I estimate how strong the kite line needs
to be?  I use 200# line for the 15 footer.  In light winds, that's overkill,
but in strong winds, I've seen it stretch alarmingly.  I think braided dacron
only goes up to 500#.  Should I use something beyond that, like small diameter
climber's rope?

Respond here, or by email.

Thanks,

Marty Akerman
marty@amc.com
(206) 882-5248


 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =