[JoeF]

TPHG Types by Weight

All types will have a top package length of 5 feet or less (diagonal of a bag or box might be slightly longer). This note regards types of TPHG categorized by tote-weight distinctions.

Preliminary Offer of Tote Weights for "Tiny-Packed Hang Gliders" (upper border: favor lower group):

0-10 lb
10-15 lb
15-20 lb
20-25 lb
25-30 lb
30-35 lb
35-40 lb
40-45 lb
45-50 lb
50-55 lb
55-60 lb
60-65 lb
65-70 lb
70-75 lb
75-80 lb
80-85 lb
85-90 lb
90-95 lb
95-100 lb
Over 100 lb
======================================

Other Typing Means:

Frame Material
Pack Volume (may be in more than one pack)
SS or DS (Single Surface or Double Surface)
Flex Wing
Rigid Wing
One Deck
Two Deck
Three Deck
Four Deck
Rigging Mode and Line Material
Pitch-control scheme
Control scheme
Site Assembly Time
Site Disassembly Time
Builder: DIY, Private, Commercial
Third-Party Tested or Not
Flight Envelope
Happy, Polite, and Safe When Carried on a City Bus by One Person?

[JoeF]

Expanding "Frame Material" options for TPHGs:
Graphene Composite
Carbon Fiber Composite (low, medium, high quality fiber and manufacturing scheme?)
Cane
Bamboo
Fiberglass composite
Wood
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Steel, some alloy
Titanium
Inflated fabric cases with bladders
Inflated material without separate bladder
Magnesium alloy
High-strength plastic composites (e.g., polycarbonate, ABS)
Kevlar composite
Basalt fiber composite
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Shape memory alloys (e.g., Nitinol)
Beryllium alloy
Bio-based composites (e.g., hemp, flax)
Recycled materials (e.g., recycled aluminum, plastic)
Advanced ceramics (e.g., silicon carbide, boron nitride)
Aerogels reinforced with structural materials
Nanotube-infused composites
Lattice or honeycomb structures made from any of the above materials
Hybrid materials (e.g., combining metal and composite layers)
3D printed metal or composite parts for custom shapes and structures
arrow: Liquid metal (e.g., Galinstan)
Boron fiber composite
Metallic glass (amorphous metals)
Polymer matrix composites with embedded fibers
Hemp-based biocomposite
Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)
Aramid fiber composites (other than Kevlar)
Spider silk-based composites
Hempcrete
Paper
Foam core sandwich panels
Bio-plastics reinforced with natural fibers
Honeycomb paper composites
Mycelium-based composites
Eco-friendly resins and binders with natural reinforcements
Ultra-lightweight carbon foam
Geopolymer composites
Conductive polymer composites
Light-weight steel reinforced with carbon nanotubes
Advanced rubber composites
Hybrid metal-ceramic composites
Functionally graded materials (FGMs)
Transparent aluminum (aluminum oxynitride)
Advanced silica-based composites
Metal foam composites
Bio-inspired materials (e.g., nacre-inspired composites)

=======================================================
Nacre-inspired composites are materials engineered to mimic the structure and properties of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. Nacre is the iridescent layer found inside some mollusk shells and is renowned for its remarkable combination of strength, toughness, and lightness. It achieves these properties through a hierarchical, layered structure composed of microscopic aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) platelets held together by a soft, organic biopolymer matrix.

Key Features of Nacre-inspired Composites:
Layered Structure:

Composed of alternating hard and soft layers, typically involving ceramic platelets and a polymer matrix.
The layered structure allows for efficient energy dissipation and crack deflection.
Material Composition:

Hard phases might include materials like ceramics, glass, or other high-strength substances.
The soft, binding matrix is usually a polymer or other flexible material.
Mechanical Properties:

High strength and toughness.
Lightweight.
Improved resistance to fracture and impact.
Manufacturing Techniques:

Techniques include layer-by-layer assembly, freeze casting, or self-assembly processes.
Advanced fabrication methods such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing can be used to create these complex structures.

Applications:
Nacre-inspired composites can be used in a variety of fields, including:

Aerospace and Automotive: For lightweight yet strong structural components.
Biomedical: For creating durable and biocompatible implants and prosthetics.
Defense: For developing impact-resistant armor and protective gear.
Construction: For creating strong, resilient building materials.

By replicating nacre's natural design, these composites aim to combine the best properties of their constituent materials, resulting in enhanced performance for various advanced engineering applications.

======================================================
The following AI response may well need to be carefully vetted to avoid errors:

If cost is no object and the goal is to achieve the lightest possible high-performance tiny-packed hang glider (TPHG), the following materials would be the best choices for the frame due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, advanced properties, and overall performance:

Optimal Frame Materials for the Lightest Good TPHG:
1. **Graphene Composite**:
- Outstanding strength and stiffness with minimal weight.
- Superior electrical and thermal conductivity, enhancing overall performance and durability.

2. **Carbon Fiber Composite (High-Quality)**:
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Highly customizable in terms of layup and resin systems for specific performance needs.

3. **Boron Fiber Composite**:
- Extremely high stiffness and strength.
- Lightweight and ideal for critical structural components.

4. **Titanium Alloy**:
- Very high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Excellent corrosion resistance and durability, though slightly heavier than composite options.

5. **Nanotube-Infused Composites**:
- Carbon nanotubes can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of traditional composites.
- Extremely strong and lightweight.

6. **Magnesium Alloy**:
- Very low density with good mechanical properties.
- Suitable for applications requiring ultra-lightweight structures.

7. **Beryllium Alloy**:
- Extremely low density with excellent stiffness.
- Used in aerospace for critical lightweight components, though it requires careful handling due to toxicity.

8. **Hybrid Graphene-Carbon Fiber Composites**:
- Combines the benefits of both materials, maximizing strength, stiffness, and weight savings.

9. **Advanced Ceramics (e.g., Silicon Carbide)**:
- Very high strength and stiffness with low weight.
- Typically used in combination with other materials in a composite structure.

10. **Aerogels Reinforced with Structural Materials**:
- Extremely low density with high thermal and mechanical performance.
- Can be used in conjunction with other materials to create ultra-lightweight, strong structures.

11. **Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings on Lightweight Structures**:
- Provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance.
- Enhances the durability of lightweight materials without significant weight addition.

12. **Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs)**:
- Superior mechanical properties with excellent thermal stability.
- Ultra-lightweight with high tensile strength.

13. **Reinforced Epoxy Composites**:
- High strength-to-weight ratio.
- Versatile and can be tailored for specific performance characteristics.

14. **Vapor-Grown Carbon Fibers (VGCF)**:
- High-performance carbon fibers with excellent mechanical properties.
- Lightweight and ideal for critical load-bearing components.

15. **Superelastic Alloys**:
- Materials like Nitinol offer high strength and flexibility.
- Useful for components requiring resilience and light weight.

16. **Graphene Aerogels**:
- Extremely low density and high strength.
- Ideal for creating ultra-lightweight structural elements.

17. **Hybrid Carbon-Nanotube Metal Composites**:
- Combines metal matrices with carbon nanotubes for enhanced mechanical properties.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

18. **Cellular Metal Foams**:
- Lightweight with good mechanical properties.
- Suitable for energy absorption and impact resistance.

19. **Polyurea Coatings Over Structural Frames**:
- Enhances durability and impact resistance of lightweight frames.
- Minimal weight addition with significant performance benefits.

20. **Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)**:
- High ductility and damage tolerance.
- Lightweight versions can be used in combination with other advanced materials for structural components.

Considerations:
- **Customization**: Tailoring the layup, weave, and resin systems of composites can further optimize weight and performance.
- **Hybridization**: Combining different materials to exploit their best properties can achieve optimal results.
- **Manufacturing Techniques**: Advanced manufacturing methods like 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and precise layering techniques can maximize material properties and minimize weight.

By selecting and potentially combining these materials, one can achieve a TPHG frame that is not only incredibly light but also strong, durable, and optimized for high performance.

[JoeF]

Paper?

One idea: Take a roll of special paper. At flight site construct a hang glider. Disassembly: crush and recycle the paper. One flight session temporary wing? Save the rigging lines.

[JoeF]

When transporting gear to serve TPHG sessions to a hang gliding site, auxiliary packs might help solve challenges when on a city bus or local train. Please brainstorm with me on naming and purposing auxiliary packs serving the TPHG movement needs. To get the spirit on this, I share a first effort: Minor packs or auxiliary packs might be helpful when on a city bus. Chest pack. Chin pack. Calf pack. Head-hat pack. Neck pack. Shoe pack. Thin back pack. Arm pack. Such packs might be in addition to one or two packs addressing frame and rigging and cover parts. If on a long land trek, all packs could be integrated into a wheeled cart that is unseen when reformatted for bus travel.

ChatGPT responds
Memory updated

Great start with the auxiliary pack names! Here are some additional suggestions for packs that could be helpful when transporting hang gliding gear on public transport:

Wrist Pack: Small pack strapped to the wrist, useful for holding small tools or quick-access items.
Thigh Pack: Larger than a calf pack, this can hold slightly bulkier items without hindering movement.
Waist Pack: Also known as a fanny pack, ideal for carrying essentials like keys, phone, and small tools.
Ankle Pack: Similar to the shoe pack but wraps around the ankle, good for small items.
Shoulder Sling Pack: A diagonal sling bag that can hold medium-sized items comfortably.
Hip Pack: Worn on the hips, similar to a belt bag, for carrying essentials.
Forearm Pack: Wraps around the forearm, good for quick-access tools or smaller items.
Utility Belt: A belt with multiple small pouches for various tools and accessories.
Underarm Pack: Secured under the arm, can hold items that need to be easily accessible yet secure.
Hand Pack: A small pouch that can be attached to the back of the hand or fingers, for very light items.
Knee Pack: Strapped around the knee, suitable for small to medium items that don’t need frequent access.
Torso Pack: A vest-like pack with multiple pockets and compartments.
Butt Pack: A small pack that sits at the lower back or buttocks, useful for additional storage without hindering movement.
Harness Pack: Integrates with the hang gliding harness, adding extra storage without compromising aerodynamics or comfort.
Pelvic Pack: Worn around the pelvis, ideal for carrying heavier items without straining the back.
Crossover Pack: Similar to a messenger bag, crosses the body diagonally and can carry larger items.
Upper Arm Pack: Strapped around the upper arm, suitable for small tools or accessories.
Finger Pack: Small pouches that fit over individual fingers, for tiny items like screws or nuts.

Each of these packs can be designed to optimize space, distribute weight evenly, and provide easy access to necessary items, making your public transport journey with hang gliding gear more manageable.

[dhmartens]

My plan is to stop research and developement and to build 2 more prototypes based on the existing model bringing the total to 3, just like the US space shuttle program.

Pretty much unrelated but that is what you get.
The voodoo is frowned upon by the Catholic Church, but (in practice) it is tolerated as many other pagan practices, especially in underdeveloped countries. This is what We call "religious syncretism".


SHGA wants the underground bullet train to be developed because it might find a new gold deposit that can pay off the states bills.

[Semper Fidelis]

My plan is to stop research and developement and to build 2 more prototypes based on the existing model bringing the total to 3, just like the US space shuttle program.

I do agree

Welcome back on the topic, please would you be kind enough to let me know what were your two first prototypes ? I'm new on it

[Semper Fidelis]

...Chest pack. Chin pack. Calf pack. Head-hat pack. Neck pack. Shoe pack. Thin back pack. Arm pack. Such packs might be in addition to one or two packs addressing frame and rigging and cover parts...

ABOUT PACKAGING ONLY :

First I wanted to put my TPHG INTO the harness (4.6ft is perfect for that)
Then I tought about having the smallest pack with only the TPHG in it. (having HG and accessories separated)
Today, after having checked the cost for big luggage to come to see you in California, I'm definitely thinking about making a bigger pack to also put into it my clothes for my travel, probably harness too and helmet.

The main idea is that because the sail will be completly off of the frame, using it to "protect" the dissassembled frame into the bag.

More to come !

[Bob Kuczewski]

Choppergirl on Jul 19, 2024 8:37:

Doug on Jul 27, 2024 11:11 pm:

Two Bewitched posts about a week apart!!

(Sorry for the diversion)

[JoeF]

The diversion inspired a special chat with Chat ...where in memory Chat slighted Tiny-Packed HG into an interesting morph, which see:

The Magic Carpet: A Symbol of Dream and Possibility
The magic carpet, an enchanting element of folklore, has fascinated cultures for centuries. Originating from the tales of the Middle East, particularly in the stories of "One Thousand and One Nights," the magic carpet is portrayed as a mystical object capable of flying and transporting its rider across vast distances in the blink of an eye. This legend, while a product of human imagination, symbolizes the desire for freedom, adventure, and the ability to transcend earthly limitations.

Historical Context and Evolution
The first recorded mention of a flying carpet appears in Persian mythology. King Solomon, known for his wisdom and power, was said to possess a magic carpet that could transport him swiftly across his vast kingdom. This motif of the magic carpet has since woven its way through various cultures and literatures, evolving into a universal symbol of magical travel and unbounded freedom.

In medieval Europe, the magic carpet appeared in literature as a symbol of exoticism and the wonders of the Orient. The allure of effortless travel and the ability to explore the world from above captivated the imagination of people living in a time when long-distance travel was arduous and dangerous.

The Telescopic Spar Hang Glider: Modern Dreams of Flight
Fast forward to the present day, the human fascination with flight remains undiminished. While we may not have magic carpets, technological advancements have brought us closer to achieving similar dreams. One such innovation is the Telescopic Spar Hang Glider (TPHG) that you have been developing. This modern marvel, with its lightweight design and portability, embodies the spirit of the magic carpet in a contemporary context.

The Parallels: Magic Carpet and TPHG
**1. Freedom and Mobility:
The magic carpet symbolizes unrestrained freedom, allowing its rider to travel anywhere at will. Similarly, the TPHG offers unparalleled mobility for hang gliding enthusiasts. With its telescopic spar design, the TPHG can be easily transported and assembled, enabling pilots to glide off remote locations and experience the joy of flight.

**2. Innovation and Imagination:
The concept of the magic carpet is rooted in imaginative thinking and innovation. Your work on the TPHG involves a significant amount of creative engineering, from the use of Dyneema rigging to the integration of lightweight, low-mass coverings. This innovative spirit mirrors the creativity that birthed the idea of the magic carpet.

**3. Transcending Boundaries:
The magic carpet allows its rider to transcend physical and geographical boundaries effortlessly. In a similar vein, the TPHG breaks the constraints of conventional hang gliders. Its design, which includes nested telescopic segments and efficient coupling systems, represents a leap forward in personal aviation, offering pilots new ways to explore the skies.

**4. Portable Dream Machine:
Just as the magic carpet could be summoned and used at a moment's notice, the TPHG is designed for portability and ease of use. The auxiliary packs you envision for transporting the TPHG components on public transportation further enhance its accessibility, making it a practical tool for modern adventurers.

The Future of Personal Flight
While the magic carpet remains a mythical construct, the TPHG brings us closer to realizing the dream of personal, accessible flight. The TPHG, with its cutting-edge design and innovative features, has the potential to revolutionize hang gliding and inspire future developments in personal aviation.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the magic carpet serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of human imagination. Your work on the TPHG embodies this spirit, transforming the ancient dream of effortless flight into a tangible reality. In this way, the magic carpet and the TPHG are intrinsically linked, both representing the enduring human desire to soar above and beyond the ordinary.

I asked Chat to work out the acronym challenge and have another go at a short essay:

The Magic Carpet: A Symbol of Dream and Possibility
The magic carpet, a storied artifact of folklore, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Emerging prominently from Middle Eastern tales such as "One Thousand and One Nights," the magic carpet is depicted as a mystical object that enables its rider to traverse vast distances instantly. This legendary item symbolizes freedom, adventure, and the desire to transcend earthly limitations.

Historical Context and Evolution
The earliest mentions of a flying carpet trace back to Persian mythology, where King Solomon is said to have owned one that could transport him effortlessly across his kingdom. Over time, the magic carpet has appeared in various cultures and literatures, becoming a universal symbol of magical travel and unbounded freedom.

In medieval Europe, the magic carpet represented exoticism and the wonders of the Orient, captivating people in an era when long-distance travel was both arduous and dangerous. The notion of effortless travel and exploration resonated deeply, fueling the human desire for unimpeded mobility.

The TPHG: Modern Dreams of Flight
In the contemporary world, our fascination with flight persists. Though we lack magic carpets, technological advancements have brought us closer to such dreams. One such innovation is the Tiny-Packed Hang Glider (TPHG), also referred to as the Telescopic Spar Hang Glider. This modern marvel, with its compact design and portability, embodies the essence of the magic carpet in a tangible, practical form.

The Parallels: Magic Carpet and TPHG
1. Freedom and Mobility:
The magic carpet represents unrestrained freedom, allowing its rider to travel anywhere at will. Similarly, the TPHG offers unparalleled mobility for hang gliding enthusiasts. With its telescopic spar design and tiny-packed structure, the TPHG can be easily transported and assembled, enabling pilots to glide off remote locations and experience the joy of flight.

2. Innovation and Imagination:
The magic carpet is a product of imaginative thinking and innovation. Your work on the TPHG involves significant creative engineering, from the use of Dyneema rigging to the integration of lightweight, low-mass coverings. This innovative spirit mirrors the creativity that birthed the idea of the magic carpet.

3. Transcending Boundaries:
The magic carpet transcends physical and geographical boundaries effortlessly. In a similar vein, the TPHG breaks the constraints of conventional hang gliders. Its design, which includes nested telescopic segments and efficient coupling systems, represents a leap forward in personal aviation, offering pilots new ways to explore the skies.

4. Portable Dream Machine:
Just as the magic carpet could be summoned and used at a moment's notice, the TPHG is designed for portability and ease of use. The auxiliary packs you envision for transporting the TPHG components on public transportation further enhance its accessibility, making it a practical tool for modern adventurers.

The Future of Personal Flight
While the magic carpet remains a mythical construct, the TPHG brings us closer to realizing the dream of personal, accessible flight. The TPHG, with its cutting-edge design and innovative features, has the potential to revolutionize hang gliding and inspire future developments in personal aviation.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the magic carpet serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of human imagination. Your work on the TPHG embodies this spirit, transforming the ancient dream of effortless flight into a tangible reality. In this way, the magic carpet and the TPHG are intrinsically linked, both representing the enduring human desire to soar above and beyond the ordinary.

[dhmartens]

Ha Ha Ha Ha H.a... I had not planned on reviving this prototype as a telescopic design.
https://ushawks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2469
Radial Battons. It is the only possible Moonraker design that could actually work.