Balsa Stiffness Calculator

Balsa Stiffness Calculator

This application will calculate stiffness coefficient using B. Hunt's method taken from INAV... It may also be used for density calculations of individual sheets

The calculations are based on the following formula:

The formula for the buckling load is ...
  buckling load = pi^2*e*bb*bd^3/(12*bl^2)
  e = youngs modulus of elasticity.

So we can calculate youngs modulus from the buckling load and the sheet dimensions...
  bb = balsa breath (width)
  bd = balsa depth (thickness)
  bl = balsa length in inches
  bw = balsa weight in grams
  load  = load in grams

The formula becomes:

  youngs modulus e = 0.188*bl^2*(load-bw)/(bb*bd^3) in gcm^-2

With this, we can then calculate density and stiffness coefficient.

  density = 3.8*bw/(bl*bb*bd) in lb/ft^3
  SC = e *2500/(density^2*13000000)

SC  < 90 is poor, 90-100 is average, 110 is good and > 120 is super. 

Sheet Length: (in in.)
Sheet Width: (in in.)
Sheet Thickness: (in in.)
Sheet Weight: (in grams)
Sheet Buckling Load: (in grams)
 
Sheet Density and Stiffness Coeficient for:
Length:18 inches
Width:1.5 inches
Thickness:0.035 inches
Weight:1 grams
Load:12 grams

Density: 4.02
Stiffness Coeficient: 118.27