Posted by Steve on July 19, 2002 at 08:41:27:
In Reply to: Re: structual stiffness posted by JimM on July 18, 2002 at 12:16:47:
I agree with Jim. Stiffness is directly related to thickness. That is what makes sandwich type materials so rugged is, even though the core material may by itself have little or no "stiffness", once you sandwich it between to layers of almost any material it becomes stiff. I am not a stuctural engineer but it is the same logic in solid housing panels. Wood on either side with foam in the middle and extreemly stong.
Airplanes also use a similar theory to achieve the right strength to weight ratio, they use a light weight honeycombed material in between two layers of skin. Once it is bonded the flexural properties change the the strength is incredible.
I would imagine that in many cases a certain amount of flex is a desirable result as well.
But take Jims advice before mine. I havent taken over my wifes sewing machine yet...but that's n ext... I need to make a cover for my boat!