[TowerTalk] Aluminum Masts

[Bill]

Allen
There are two primary issues to consider between steel and aluminum.  They 
are torsional rigidity and yield strength.  Since aluminum has about 1/3 the 
Young's modulus of steel it will require a thicker tubing for the same outer 
dimension to obtain ths same torsional rigidity.  Aluminum is also generally 
much lower in yield strength than steel too (although there are weak steels 
and storng aluminums) so  the amount of torque that will induce a permanent 
set in the mast will also depend on the cross section being used as well as 
the yield strength.  Each of those questions would need to be answered in 
order to make a comparative determination.  I have used both successfully 
but each situation needs to be considered individually.

73
Bill
W7VP


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JC Smith" <jc-smith at comcast.net>
To: "'JC Smith'" <jc-smith at comcast.net>; <britech at earthlink.net>; "'Tower 
Talk Reflector'" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 8:09 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Aluminum Masts


> Sorry, that was a bit blunt.  What I meant was you need to calculate your
> load and see what kind of mast will handle it.  Obviously, "regular"
> aluminum (like 6061-T6) won't handle the load steel will, size for size.
> OTOH, if you really need aluminum for some reason, there are some really
> strong alloys that will (at a price) match, and even outperform, some
> steels.  I bought a military surplus, telescoping aluminum mast at a
> swapmeet many years ago.  Have no idea what the alloy is, but it's one
> heavy-duty chunk of metal.
>
> Steve, K7LXC, who sponsors this reflector, has a nice little program 
> called
> MARC (Mast Antenna Rotator Calculator) that will help you figure out what
> you need.  You might check it out at: 
> http://www.championradio.com/misc.html
>
> 73 - JC, K0HPS
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of JC Smith
> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 7:52 PM
> To: britech at earthlink.net; 'Tower Talk Reflector'
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Aluminum Masts
>
> "Expert" opinion:  do the math.
> Link to aluminum masts: http://www.texastowers.com/aluminum.htm
>
> 73 - JC, K0HPS
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Allen R. Brier
> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 6:36 PM
> To: 'Tower Talk Reflector'
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Aluminum Masts
>
> Sometime recently, someone provided a source for aluminum masts. I would
> like to get that information again, please.
>
>
>
> Also, what "expert" opinions can I get from the group on using aluminum
> masts vs. steel?
>
>
>
> 73,
>
>
>
> Allen Ross Brier, N5XZ
>
>
>
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