<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The epoxy will get brittle at those temps, but is not permanently affected. When it warms up, it goes back to normal. So while the fuse is zero degrees F, do not impact it with a hammer!</font>
<br><font size=2 face="sans-serif">The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the epoxy fiberglass fuse is about 6.5 X10-6 in/in degrees F. Consider that any epoxy bonded things also gets brittle and then could get stressed by the shrinkage. The biggest stress would be on the elevator servo if connected to the stab using a carbon fiber push rod. The CF push rod has a CTE of zero, and it is long. That combined with the embrittlement of the adhesive holding the rails on could cause a problem. Simply disconnect the pushrod on either the elevator or the servo-or purchase an all carbon fiber fuse airplane from Aeroslave-the time you save in not disconnecting that worrisome push rod is well worth it-not to mention trim change problems during temperature fluctuations......<br>
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Gray Fowler<br>
Principal Chemical Engineer<br>
Composites Engineering</font>
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<td><font size=1 face="sans-serif"><b>mike mueller <mups1953@yahoo.com></b></font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Sent by: discussion-request@nsrca.org</font>
<p><font size=1 face="sans-serif">11/24/2003 09:31 AM</font>
<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif">Please respond to discussion</font>
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<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif"> To: discussion@nsrca.org</font>
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<br><font size=1 face="sans-serif"> Subject: Winter storing and the cold</font></table>
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<br><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"> Do any of you store your pattern planes in an unheated garage during the winter? Of course I live in Chicago and the weather will more than likely dip below 0 degrees a few times. I have a fiberglass fuse. As long as I've flown I've never tried it. Is there any potential for it to be harmed? I have flat run out of room in my workshop and my wife is tired of my planes laying all over the place. Thanks in advance, Mike Mueller</font>
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