Author Topic: Elevator chord & radius point dimensions?  (Read 36 times)

Offline rv7charlie

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Elevator chord & radius point dimensions?
« on: August 30, 2026, 06:34:02 AM »
How did y'all treat the elevator plan dimensions when bending the trailing edge? The 19" dimension *looks* like it's to the aft edge of the elevator, but the related 10" dimension looks to be somewhere along the curve, and not at the center point of the radius. Similar issue with the outboard 10" dimension, though it *might* be a radius center point.

Treatment of the outboard dimension wouldn't seem to have much effect either way, but the inboard dimensions could have a huge effect on rudder size. It could also significantly affect clearance for the rudder, depending on how those 19" and 10" dimensions are treated.

Edit: If the drawing angle between outboard line and trailing edge are copied, the max chord dimension ends up close to 22".
If the drawing angle between inboard line and trailing edge are copied, max chord ends up closer to 19" (still over), but obviously alters the overall path of the trailing edge and drives a tighter included angle of the outboard arc.


Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Elevator chord & radius point dimensions?
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2026, 02:28:18 PM »
Ya gotta remember that it was designed by eye, then measured.  :) My guess is those measurements were taken as if there wasn't a radius, just where the two straight tubes would join. Your measurements may vary..

Offline rv7charlie

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Re: Elevator chord & radius point dimensions?
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2026, 03:10:29 PM »
No doubt you're correct about sequence. But a 2" average chord variation  based purely on 'builder intuition' is not insignificant... Or maybe it is; there are certainly a lot of them flying successfully.

 


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