Don’t know if anyone can help with the following
What gauge metal was used for frames 12 to 18. Where they all the same gauge.
I understand the frames all had a flange on the outer edges that enabled the skin to be riveted to the frame. What size flange was it (20-30mm?) and was it the same on each frame s fuselage
Frames 8 10,11 were twin web frame. Again what gauge were they made from and does anyone know the size of the spacers that seperated each web or side. Is the flange the same size as frames 12 to 18 ?
By: mackerel - 15th August 2014 at 00:15
Hi all,
Qldspitty you have material thickness for Fr19 and Fr10 wrong. Fr19 is 18swg, best formed using “O” condition 2014 or 2024 material and then bathed to harden up. Fr10 is 20swg except for 14 swg doublers where the frame sits over the lower longeron, where the rear wing attachment fitting bolts on. Flange width on Fr10 is I think .75″ because it has to accept 2 rows of rivets , staggered. Flange width on other frames is .55.
Frame 10 webs are 1.5″ apart and Frame 11 webs are 1.25″ apart.
Steve”P”
By: stuart gowans - 14th August 2014 at 10:46
Hadn’t noticed until fairly recently, that metal thickness for a specific gauge differs between steel and aluminium (non ferrous) ; e.g 18 gauge is .0478″ for steel and .0403″ for aluminium.
By: QldSpitty - 14th August 2014 at 02:06
Hand up!!!!
All frames are .035″ 2024 T3 except for F10 and F19 which are thicker at .063″ (I think).Flange width is .55″ (14mmish) for all the frames.Frame 8 and 10 use about the same width flange for the C section spacers at about half inch (12.7mm).Frame 11 only has the C section spacers where it joins the longerons.
By: The Beach - 13th August 2014 at 22:22
20 SWG
By: 1batfastard - 13th August 2014 at 20:48
Hi All,
Mk12 – Peter I would have thought been your ideal candidate to help with this after all isn’t he Mr Spitfire ? 😉
Geoff.
By: Fieldhawk - 13th August 2014 at 17:38
Spitfire dimensions are, or certainly were, all Imperial, i.e inches and feet. None of this metric rubbish!
As far as the material thickness etc is concerned – could depend on the mark for one thing. And then it is detailed in ‘SWG’.
Copies of a very large number of the original drawings are available at the RAF Museum, Hendon. If you want to make virtually anything for a Spitfire you will need the services of a very good sheet metal worker.
Enjoy.
By: Orion - 13th August 2014 at 13:25
It’s unlikely to be metric!
Regards
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August 13, 2014 at 1:06 pm