Rookie fiberglass question here...In an attempt to help combat higher than desired CHTs on my rocket, we faired in the lip on the upper cowling to try and make a smooth transition and eliminate the possible eddy current caused by the abruptly concave lip. We used three layers of cloth with West epoxy that spans a gap from the trailing edge of the upper lip back to the interior of the upper cowling covering a distance of about 8-10". Well, I'm sure you have already guessed that this greatly strengthened the upper cowling, and it is more difficult than it should be to insert the piano hinge wires since the cowl previously compressed just a bit when the wires were inserted.
My question is, for a minor adjustment like this (probably need to compress the width of the upper cowling by about 1/4" to make things fit well), would heat and a little persuasive pressure have any possible positive effect? I was thinking an insulating blanket and heat lamps for the better part of a day with the pins inserted and maybe even a rigged up clamp of some sort.
If that is a useless method, whats next, cutting lengthwise slits in the new glass and then fixing those slits with the cowling either installed or compressed to proper dimensions?
My question is, for a minor adjustment like this (probably need to compress the width of the upper cowling by about 1/4" to make things fit well), would heat and a little persuasive pressure have any possible positive effect? I was thinking an insulating blanket and heat lamps for the better part of a day with the pins inserted and maybe even a rigged up clamp of some sort.
If that is a useless method, whats next, cutting lengthwise slits in the new glass and then fixing those slits with the cowling either installed or compressed to proper dimensions?