Quote:
Originally Posted by sregord
EcoModder Forum >
EcoModding >
Aerodynamics >
Class a motorhomes aerodynamics
Let me start ALL over..... 
COULD "recycled" Hypalon-impregnated aerospace fabric(Billboard Tarp) be used as a cheap alternative for flat or shaped/closed/non-side flapping bellypan on a (8.5' x32'+) motorhome? 
....not a commercial truck trailer...
I only made the comparison to airplane fabric to help guide the discussion from the first Betterflow video to airflow much like Luigi Colani designs, etc.
The diversions are fun though, as in many of these threads. 
Have you ever handled "recycleable" Hypalon-impregnated aerospace fabric?
Sorry again for the confusing first ask. |
I believe that it's worth a try.
There's a hardwoods dealer in Fort Worth where I used to purchase rock maple to create Montessori teaching materials.
All of their outdoor inventory was protected under discarded billboard signage fabric. I spent enough time trying to destroy a piece of of it while I was there to conclude that it was extremely robust, and nut cases like us could probably re-purpose it successfully.
Gumby79's 100-mph Dodge aeroshell is covered with 'discarded' speedboat wrap, used during over the road trailer transport to marinas and ports. And a version of this same material has been approved for light aircraft construction.
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On my trip to Newport Beach, BNSF Railroad was transporting fabric-back US ARMY and Marine Corps transport trucks atop flatbed railcars, at 70-mph. Nothing more than the frameworks for those tarpaulin-covered truck boxes would be required to 'support' an underbody, stretched-fabric belly pan, as long as it was 'boxed in' around its perimeter, like an RV Coach/ Motorhome, with front airdam, matching rocker panels, and rear fascia, as long as care was taken with the wheel-wells, to prevent splash and spray broadcasting material onto the 'top' of the fabric.
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You could experiment with 'tension', and determine how close you'd have to space support ribbing to maintain an acceptable level of 'sag' in between supports.
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A local trim or upholstery shop would be able to sew in reinforcing strips with brass webbing eyelets, at any chosen location, which would allow you to lace the fabric onto your skeleton anywhere needed.