posted
Anybody know what the reason is for using those port holes instead of a regular windshield on the White Knight? I mean, it looks incredibly cool, but I'm sure there are reasons for it other than aesthetics.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
The smaller surface area of the glass means less force trying to pop it out, and the smaller span means less stress trying to break it. Round windows don't have corners (duh!) to cause odd stress patterns.
Plus, I wonder if maybe he got a deal on a bunch of round portals left over from some other project? Posts: 1862 | Registered: Mar 2000
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That makes sense. So does his getting a deal on a bunch of portholes left over from another project. Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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Rutan does not seem like the kind of guy who would limit his design by trying to use left over hardware. The porthole design probably meets the design criteria more cheaply and simply.
Posts: 3735 | Registered: Mar 2002
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