I searched old threads but couldn't find anything on this. My untrained engineering instinct tells me, and I have a vague recollection of reading about this somewhere, that if you cut off the end of a stiffener angle at 45 degrees (on the leg that isn't riveted or bearing against another part obviously) there is no reduction in the strength of the structure. In some places in my RV-7 plans, for example the control surface stiffeners and the brake pedals, cutting this way is suggested. But in other places, for example the forward fuselage stiffeners, the lower longerons and the armrests, it isn't. Three questions emerge from these observations:
1) Is my untrained instinct correct?
2) Why do the plans not call this out consistently?
3) Is 45 degrees the magic number, or are higher angles such as 60 degrees also acceptable?
I'm very grateful for any help, and think this might be an interesting discussion. I'm trying to build as light as possible so this might be a way to save a few more ounces!
1) Is my untrained instinct correct?
2) Why do the plans not call this out consistently?
3) Is 45 degrees the magic number, or are higher angles such as 60 degrees also acceptable?
I'm very grateful for any help, and think this might be an interesting discussion. I'm trying to build as light as possible so this might be a way to save a few more ounces!