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Old 11-16-2008, 03:12 AM   #6 (permalink)
Red
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob View Post
It might be tempting to drill a few holes into the middle of the spokes, and consider that the hole only removes 5% of the metal, so 95% of the strength is left. However, no matter how small a round hole is, the local strain at the edge is 3 times the average, which is too often enough to start a fatigue crack. (That's what took the De Havilland Comet out, opening an opportunity for the Boeing 707 to found an industry. Luckily, the seminal 707 shape got better mileage.)
Very true, but it should last long enough to see if the idea works then something better could be used. The dust covers that sean mentioned would be a much better idea
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