Kite line

Kite line

Kites have a wing and a kite line (line), or sometimes more than one line. Kite systems may have more than one kite and more than one kite line. Solar kites have a gravity mass-less line; but the most common type of kite line has mass; the kite line may be flexible or rigid as in a contemporary speed sailing kited hydrofoiled boat.

Successful kiting in particular kite applications depends in large part on the kite line's specifications and handling. The integrity of kite lines is affected by wear, reeling, contact with chemicals, loss of strength from knottings, ultraviolet rays of the sun, repeated cycles of use, and damaging actions during use. There are historically classic specifications of kite lines. Kite lines for small toy kites differ greatly from kite lines used for kite tugs that pull commercial cargo ships across the ocean. Sport kites using kite lines two or three or four lines at a time have a need for very low stretch. Single-line recreation kite lines may do well with stretchy kite lines. Kite fighting kites' main tether lines have sharp glass particles bonded to the line. Kite lines misused or abused can cause injury to persons and property. Kite lines vary in pricing and availability. Kite lines are used sometimes for hanging kite laundry. Repair of a particular line has its own arts. Reeling, handling, and storage methods differ for lines depending on the kite applications. Kite lines terminate at the kite's wing/bridle at one end and at some kite mooring at the other end; the mooring is to some object anchor that provides the tug or tension against the resultant of the lift and drag forces of the kite; the anchor is always powered by something even if that something is the earth's moving surface relative to the air for air kites; a running human kite operator is the source of human powering.

Kite-line parameters

Depending on the kite application and kite system needs, selecting a kite line will consider one or more of the following parameters: availability, base material, color, density, mass per length, size, manufacturer's reports, serial number or product number, diameter, cross-section shape, tensile strength new, aged tensile strength, resistance damage from chemicals, defects, safety factor, resistance to damage from solar radiation (UV stabilization), electrical conductivity, optical conductivity, heat conductivity, moisture intake from water (via humidity, rain, contact with liquid water), buoyancy in water, abrasion resistance, nature of manufacturer's line joins, feel, degradation from knotting, terminal methods, elasticity, structure, signal transmission capacity, visibility to radar, performance over time, maintenance actions, effect on performance from hours of use, drag, negative lift, auxiliary line uses, performance when being reeled under tension, performance when tensed line touches itself, action upon breaking, memory, veil, sleeving, inspectability, surface finish, reaction to heat and cold, taper (as wanted), flexibility, reeling behavior, breaking strength, critical diameter, reliability, test-results portfolio, visibility, twist, plasticity, safety, price. Toy kites sold with a manufacturer's selected line makes the decision easy; the decision is more challenging for custom kite applications. The design and handling of the piano-wire kite line for the high-altitude meteorological observations (1749-1933) was a keen engineering process. [ [http://kitehistory.com/Miscellaneous/meteorological_kites.htm Meteorological Kites Scientific Kites of the Industrial Revolution by M. Robinson] ] [ [http://www.awindofchange.com/lessons/lesson1-4.html Course 104 - Kite Lines] ] [ [http://www.geospectra.net/kite/knots/knots.htm Knots and Hitches for Kite Flying James S. Aber] ] [ [http://www.colors-wind.com/accessories/linesandwinders.htm Lines and Winders] ] [ [http://www.windstarkites.com/FlyLine-SportandStuntKiteLine.htm Sport and Stunt kite flying line] ] [ [http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProducts/Detail/LoosWireDiv/Mechanical_Cable_and_Wire_Rope/31707/0 Mechanical Cable and Wire Rope] ] [ [http://www.kites.org/tmr/Lindenberg_eng.htm Kite history in Germany] ] [ [http://www.knight-precision-wire.co.uk/ Knight Precision Wire] ]

Kite lines for children's toy kites

To avoid burns and cuts, kite lines for children toy kites are frequently soft fuzzy cotton twine.

Kite lines for sport control kites

Lack of stretch or stable line length for control authority is an advantage of special control lines. Melting point is considered when controlling a kite for kite fighting; lower cost cotton line can melt a crossed expensive synthetic line. [http://www.awindofchange.com/lessons/lesson1-4.html Kite lines] Dyeing kite lines for show and control line management can occur at a line factory or by a user. [ [http://whitecatsg.blogspot.com/2008/07/dyeing-kite-strings-ahmedabad.html Through my lens: dyeing kite strings Ahmedabad] ]

Kite lines for miniature and tiny kites

Kite lines for commercial kite tugs

Kite lines for high altitude attempts

In 2000 the single-line single-kite altitude world record for kiting was made using a kite line of woven Kevlar line 3/32 inch in diameter at 270 pound breaking-strength. [http://www.kitelife.com/archives/sep00/newworld.htm New World Record!]

Kite lines for special scientific experiments

Kite lines for paravane kiting (water surface kites and underwater water kites)

Kite lines for specialized applications

When a kite application does not fit a common purpose, then specialized kite lines are used. Setting specific records under controlled conditions allows kite operators or competitors to choose kite lines with high specificity and without excessive safety factors.

The short kite line called the "hang loop" for the free-flying kite hang gliders has received special engineering attention; the further main kite-lines from the hang loop to the pilot's harness are also highly specialized in design [ [http://www.willswing.com/articles/Article.asp?reqArticleName=RightHangHeight How To Get The Right Hang Height by Mike Meier] ] .

When maximizing performance for large kites; E. D. Archibald was the first to use piano wire for kiting. [ [http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/kites_and_meterology.html Aerobotics. Kites and Meteorology.] ]

Flatland kiting hang gliders with 3000' of tow line holding the manned hang glider kite takes special care to specify. Protecting the kite line from ground abrasion is considered. [ [http://www.mojosgear.com/html/cttech98.htm Tow Tech Supply] ]

Want to fly an indoor kite without wind? The indoor no-wind kite operator need not worry about line breaks causing damages to downwind property. The choice of line can be very specialized here.

When the kite line is to be invisible, a clear translucent fine thread is chosen.

Making kite lines visible for night flying occurs in short-line and long line applications. Line lights is one solution sometimes used. Lines that carry light is another. Lights on the ground shining on stunt kites and their lines occurs. [http://www.guernsey.net/~jim/kites/night/ Flying Kites at Night]

Spider silk and their kite line for their "ballooning" (mechanical kiting)

Biologists began using the term "ballooning" for spiderling mechanical kiting [ [http://books.google.com/books?id=Gvrt2eIVG7YC&pg=PT24&lpg=PT24&dq=spider+ballooning+is+really+kiting&source=web&ots=wHpCpxCy3r&sig=srQgV7Hf_SzOfhOSjrKvI9YKdwg&hl=en Spiders by Ann R. Heinrichs. Google Books. She observes that the so called ballooning is like a kite or balloon; she is mechanically correct about the kite part, as no true balloon is ever formed by the spider as told in the other references.] ] [ [http://www.snerdey.com/sky/index.html Flying Spiders over Texas! Coast to Coast. Chad B., Texas State University Undergrad: He correctly describes the mechanical kiting of spider "ballooning".] ] . Another spider silk for the bridge thread is frequently kited. And another thread of the spider is used as a drag line from which spiders frequently swing in the breeze, getting deflected before landing. Humans have used spider silk for making kites [ [http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artnov98/baspid3.html The Spider's Web] ] .

Safety for kite lines

Fit the kite line to the kite application; handle the line as needed to avoid hazards, accidents, and injury to persons and property. The operator of a kite system is fully responsible for damages done by the operation of his or her kite system; this includes the kite line. Pre-flight plan and pre-flight the kite line; avoid surprises. Piano wire is appropriate for certain applications, but totally inappropriate for recreational or sport kite flying. Fishing monofilament line is not used for most hobby, recreational, or sport power kiting because of its stretch, breaking behavior, and thinness; avoid it unless there is a very special application involved. Metal wire can conduct static and current electricity; avoid metal wires unless a professional scientific or industrial engineer approves the line for a specific purpose. Gloves, proper reel choices, goggles, guards, tension limiters, and other safety devices help to reduce accidents. Ability to de-power a kite's lift and drag is a part of sound kite systems. Tensed line can act as razors. Moving lines can cut through flesh too easily. Fatalities too often occur from kite line abuse. Keep kite lines in good condition. Realize that knots weaken kite line. Keep kite lines dry and clean. Log any wear and use of the line; replace lines as needed. Choose a safety factor when designing a line for an application. Avoid flying in the rain or stormy weather changes. [ [http://www.sdge.com/safety/lineSafety.shtml Electric Line Safety.] ] , [ [http://www.awindofchange.com/lessons/lesson1-1.html Kite Safety] ] , [ [http://www.kitesandkids.com/kite-flying-safety.htm Kites & Kids] ] , [ [http://www.sfba.org/3rdavekite.html 3rd Avenue Kiteboarding Safety Guidelines] ] [ [http://best-breezes.squarespace.com/journal/ Best Breezes. Essay: "Kite Lines Contribute to Tragic Helicopter Accident in Philippines"] ]

See also

*Kite
*Kite types
*Kite applications
*Kite mooring
*Paravane (water kite)
*Paravane (weapon)
*Reel
* Cotton
* Dacron
* Dyneema
* Hemp
* Kevlar
* Linen
* Nylon
* Polyester
* Rayon
* Silk
* Manja or Manjha, Hindi word for the glass powder coated kite flying & fighting string from Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions
* Spider silk
* Ballooning (spider) The mechanical kiting of spiderlings has been descriptively called "ballooning" even though no actual balloon is ever formed. [ [http://books.google.com/books?id=Gvrt2eIVG7YC&pg=PT24&lpg=PT24&dq=spider+ballooning+is+really+kiting&source=web&ots=wHpCpxCy3r&sig=srQgV7Hf_SzOfhOSjrKvI9YKdwg&hl=en Spiders by Ann R. Heinrichs. Google Books. She observes that the so called ballooning is like a kite or balloon; she is mechanically correct about the kite part, as no true balloon is ever formed by the spider as told in the other references.] ] [ [http://www.snerdey.com/sky/index.html Flying Spiders over Texas! Coast to Coast. Chad B., Texas State University Undergrad: He correctly describes the mechanical kiting of spider "ballooning".] ]

External links

* [http://www.awindofchange.com/lessons/lesson1-4.html Kite Lines]
* [http://www.windstarkites.com/KiteSafetyFieldCard.htm Kite Flight, Safety First!!!!!!!!!!]
* [http://www.flexifoil.com/community/lines/line_adjustment.php Line adjustment]
* [http://www.flexifoil.com/community/lines/4-line_tuning.php 4-Line Tuning]
* [http://www.flexifoil.com/community/howtos/lines.php Line & Stakes]

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Kite control systems — Kite types, kite mooring, and kite applications result in a wide variety of kite control systems; contemporary manufacturers, kite athletes, kite pilots, scientists, and engineers are expanding kite control systems. Single line kite control… …   Wikipedia

  • Kite mooring — Kites are given mooring by many methods. Watercraft and aircraft traditionally have the term mooring applied to making the watercraft or aircraft fast to some external object. The kite has two parts: wing and kite line; the kite essentially needs …   Wikipedia

  • Kite aerial photography — (KAP) is a hobby and a type of photography. A camera is lifted using a kite and is triggered either remotely or automatically to take aerial photographs. The camera rigs can range from the extremely simple, consisting of a trigger mechanism with… …   Wikipedia

  • Line — or lines may refer to: * Line (geometry), an infinitely extending one dimensional figure that has no curvature * a length of rope, cable or chain when put to use (such as a clothesline, anchor line) * a line or queue of people waiting in a queue… …   Wikipedia

  • Kite types — Colorful delta wing kite Kites are tethered flying objects which fly by using aerodynamic lift, requiring wind, (or towing), for generation of airflow over the lifting surfaces. Contents 1 Kite …   Wikipedia

  • Kite — s. [ [http://www.kitelife.com/magazine/issue39/altitude39/content.php Flying High, Down Under] When the kite line broke, the kites still received tension from the very long kite line.] The anchor point of the kite line may be static or moving… …   Wikipedia

  • kite — kite1 kiter, n. kitelike, adj. /kuyt/, n., v., kited, kiting. n. 1. a light frame covered with some thin material, to be flown in the wind at the end of a long string. 2. any of several small birds of the hawk family Accipitridae that have long,… …   Universalium

  • Kite applications — The kite is used to do certain things; one kite or many kites are applied to achieve certain purposes, objectives, or tasks, that is: applications. Humans have applied the kite to bring perceived benefits during peace and war alike. New… …   Wikipedia

  • Kite (Styrofoam-only) — Some kites are made of Styrofoam only. Styrofoam is a tradename for expanded polystyrene thermal insulation material (often referred to as EPS), manufactured by Dow Chemical Company; it is bluish in color. Popular abuse of names has EPS foam cups …   Wikipedia

  • Kite (geometry) — Kite A kite showing its equal sides and its inscribed circle. Type Quadrilateral Edges and vertices 4 Symmetry group D1 (*) In Euclid …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”