"Any effects with regard to leading edge tension will be proportional to the square of velocity. It may be that a speed wing has enough speed to sort
this issue with high leading edge tensions, and also, the high wing loading having an effect too."
Something to think about. For those of you who fly LEIs, try pumping up the LE until it's rock hard and see how much of a difference it makes in the
kites speed and performance. I've noticed that many people leave the LE fairly underpressurized when they go out. If you're one of those people you
might want to try maxing out the pressure next time you pump up your kite and see how much of a difference it will make whilst flying.Houston AirHead - 21-6-2010 at 09:12 PM
i always fully pump my kite. air pressure totally effects flight behavior.
when ever i see an under inflated LEI, its like nails on a chalk board.Kamikuza - 21-6-2010 at 09:40 PM
I'm sure I've said it before ... ALL the LEI/bows I've used in their appropriate wind ranges have folded parts of the leading edge when dived into the
powerzone at speed.
I'd bet they were pumped up appropriately to spec, but is that quote suggesting that pumping up over recommended pressure will solve the
problem? Surely such a small increase in pressure won't make that much of a difference - tension = velocity2 ...?
I thought speed winds were basically bridled foils?
And - another plus to arcs :DPHREERIDER - 22-6-2010 at 05:12 AM
I have been on a LEI for about 2 months.
the pump is nearly shot. shaft is shedding pieces.
rock hard, ultra solid . the struts have these one -way check valves and really won't open until LE is filled.
the ONLY tube kite that i 've seen fold in flight had a leak and would not hold pressure. never had a tube fold in the air.
the quote power put up actually would ADD pressure to the system (LE) and make it more in flight , the wind is like squeezing it . the very equation
that makes open cell/closed cells work.
better pumped LEI may respond in flight a little faster BUT THE real benefit is the relaunch. a rock hard tube will launch easier and quicker.Jovver - 22-6-2010 at 06:19 AM
I've found that increased pressure in the tubes helps a bit in lower wind. Idk if it's because of a stiffer frame, or something else.Kamikuza - 22-6-2010 at 06:49 AM
My bet would be stiffer sail and non-stalled air flow due to shifting surface ...markite - 22-6-2010 at 01:51 PM
when you think about indoor kite flying you want a really light and very stiff frame with the lightest skin possible - so take that to an LEI, the
strut configuration is trying to get the tightest frame possible without adding to much weight. So you want to minimize twisting etc to improve
turning and response and if you had a small tight leading edge it'll fly forward faster. A softer leading edge and it will deform and flatten and be
pushing air. The kites shouldn't bend. A semi softer kite will also deter any relaunch with it bending instead of rolling over nicely. Pump em hard!
Just beware some cheaper manufactured kites or worn kites could explode your leading edge if left sitting on the beach on a hot day and pumped to the
max.power - 22-6-2010 at 03:18 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
is that quote suggesting that pumping up over recommended pressure will solve the problem?
I've never been able to keep an LEI from kinking without pumping it over the recommended pressure from the manufacturer. I'd love to know what
pressure it would actually take to really bust the leading edge.arkay - 22-6-2010 at 03:51 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Jovver
I've found that increased pressure in the tubes helps a bit in lower wind. Idk if it's because of a stiffer frame, or something else.
Fully pumped can't be defined, different for every kite. I generally think of 4 stages:
1) you an push on the LE (know you, byt the valve) and it visibally dents without much effort
2) you can flick/ping the LE with your finger and it sounds liek a tight drum
3) you can't easily bend a wind tip
4) you bladder explodes
I typically go for 2.5 which is a fairly rigid wing tip, and for my flexi's it about 6-7psi.
I feel that it DRASTICALLY helps with turning in any wind. In low wind it keeps the kite rigid when tugging at it and in higher winds it helps keep
it's shape and your control lines battle the force of the wind.Kamikuza - 22-6-2010 at 05:25 PM
There's a video on kitefix.com where they blow up a leading edge ... then stick it back together and blow it up again
