Anonymous - 22-2-2003 at 03:40 PM
Hey,
The question is, how do the lines on a quad kite get affected individually. Lets say for example, weighing around 160lbs and owning a quad kite, if i
were to pull on the lower left string, being x ft long and 150lbs of resistance, would it snap? Is the angle of pull and sum of all linse cumulative
in anyway?
thanks
doomwheels - 24-2-2003 at 01:29 AM
Assuming you're talking about a quadline parafoil, the majority of tension is on the two top lines. These are the lines that hold the kite. The
brakelines only "tune" the trailing edge of the kite therefore increasing the kite's power and inturn the load on the top lines.
Regarding breaking strength of line... a 300lb test line can actually support more than 300lbs. It is when the load creates a distributed average
beyond the tested max that the line will break in the middle where the stress is far greater than 300lbs.
Most often lines tend to break at the ends where the knotted loops are the weakest point. Knots can cut the lines which is the reason we use sleeving
to better protect these areas.
A good set up for most foils is 300lb top lines and 200lb brake lines. Super huge foils or kitesurfing kites could need up to 600lb over 200-300lb.
BC