So I have a new Tent plan for 2021…input welcome

[Matt Dirksen]

“Roger, I would think that stretchy panels, if they allow increased cupping, would be a net negative”

In my mind, (just like tent poles) there likely to be structural issues with materials which are either too stiff or too elastic.

I can imagine a tent made out of latex “cupping” a lot of wind, and possibly tearing apart before the pole structure deforms. On the other hand, what would the same tent look like under the same wind load if it were made out of canvas? Would the stiffness of the material deflect more of the wind, but also transfer more energy into the pole structure? Obviously aerodynamics become a big deal with more “rigid” materials.

[Roger Caffin]

Latex tearing apart? Too right: it does not have the strength of nylon.

A canvas tent – yes it would be different, but a major reason would be the relative lack of stretch compared to light silnylon.

Its not ‘energy’ that gets transferred into the poles; it’s force.
Even so, I can imagine the poles failing when the wind is strong enough.

Cheers

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