Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 01:47 PM - Canopy reflections and fire (Bill Strahan)
Message 1
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Canopy reflections and fire |
I think it was on this forum that I read several years back about an open canopy
concentrating enough light to set the dash on fire. I'm so glad I read that!
I was in Salida, CO on a gorgeous and VERY clear sunny day. I parked the plane
and popped up the canopy. The sun was just back over my shoulder, and while
sitting there for 30 seconds or so, I suddenly noticed the smell of burning chemicals!
I'm so glad I read about the canopy and it's potential to focus the sun, because
it immediately caused me to look down to the dash. Flames!
I swatted them with one hand and pulled the canopy halfway down with the other.
Very little damage done, but if I had opened the canopy and walked away this
would have been a bad one!
It's important to realize it's not the canopy acting like a lens, it's the canopy
as a mirror. Sure, perhaps it only reflects 5%, but it's a BIG canopy and
the focal point on the burned point is less than a square inch. Call the canopy
6 square feet (conservative) and with just 5% reflectivity you've got 30 watts
thrown into a very small area.
Careful with the canopy. My rule now is always: If it's open I'm with it, unless
it's in a hanger!
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=409955#409955
Other Matronics Email List Services
These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.
-- Please support this service by making your Contribution today! --
|