by mtaylor » Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:26 pm
As per discussions in the Nuzletters from many years ago, the steamlined struts have to be fitted with a special bracket to prevent flutter. If memory serves, it was Lorin Wilkinson's Snooty Hatz. His bracket effectively eliminated the flutter.
The strut flutters because the end fittings are rod bearings and allow the strut to pivot freely in it's vertical axis. The streamlined shape creates a rapid back and forth flutter in flight. The special bracket captures the strut and prevents the flutter. A round rod doesn't have a flutter problem to deal with. I, too, want to eliminate as much drag as possible, but decided that the small amount of drag created by round struts is more desirable than the dangerous flutter situation or having to fabricate the braces.
As per discussions in the Nuzletters from many years ago, the steamlined struts have to be fitted with a special bracket to prevent flutter. If memory serves, it was Lorin Wilkinson's Snooty Hatz. His bracket effectively eliminated the flutter.
The strut flutters because the end fittings are rod bearings and allow the strut to pivot freely in it's vertical axis. The streamlined shape creates a rapid back and forth flutter in flight. The special bracket captures the strut and prevents the flutter. A round rod doesn't have a flutter problem to deal with. I, too, want to eliminate as much drag as possible, but decided that the small amount of drag created by round struts is more desirable than the dangerous flutter situation or having to fabricate the braces.