Tuning weights made of tungsten

Gliding has become a high-performance sport with national and international competitions. Take F3B RC gliding, for example—a three-part competition consisting of time, distance, and speed flights. Jens Buchert, F3B team world champion, reports: “To achieve optimal results, however, it’s also important to use the right materials for each component. After all, the larger and heavier the gliders become, the greater the impact on their flight dynamics.” Model builders typically use high-tech materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) for their models to achieve maximum strength with the lowest possible weight. However, materials like lead are also used to make trim weights to achieve optimal trim. Until recently, Buchert also used lead for trim and had to take special safety precautions because of the material’s toxicity—for example, the lead weights had to be painted or encased in synthetic resin. “About five

years ago, I was looking for a more suitable material for trim weights so I could do without lead while still meeting the high standards required for competitions,” says Buchert. “In the process, I discovered that tungsten, due to its high density, is particularly well-suited as an alternative. Since I was already in contact with Bayerische Metallwerke and Gesellschaft für Wolfram Industrie mbH for professional reasons, my idea was easily put into practice with their support.”

Due to tungsten’s high density, the trim weights can also be manufactured smaller than would be possible with another metal of the same weight. For example, a steel trim weight is about 2.5 times larger than a tungsten piece of the same weight. Thanks to the use of tungsten instead of steel or lead, these trim weights take up less space, and the ballast compartment can consequently be built smaller. This makes it possible to design the fuselage to be more aerodynamic, which

This reduces air resistance and optimizes flight stability. “The use of tungsten is also conceivable in other areas of model building,” Buchert concludes. “For example, special high-tech materials are already being used in model race cars to achieve greater realism and ideal handling. Tungsten can also help achieve the lowest possible center of gravity in these models, which significantly improves the model car’s road holding.”

For more information, visit:
www.wolfram-industrie.de