Re: Materials/parts...

[HUNTR2@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-02-19 21:47:03 EST, you write:

<< A
 rolled plate of the 'Kitteridge' size should'nt cost more than a few
 hundred dollars. Propane tanks are excellent starting points and  they are
 very cheap because of high volume. Since the thickness vs the dia  is 
 typically such that the tank will have to be ring stiffened ( the internal
 pressure inflates the tank so that the failure mode is material yield .
 .whereas external pressure causes failure at a much lower pressure through
 assymetric buckling) you can get in through the hatch cut- out and weld the
 rings inside in two or more pieces. You should use a doubler plate over the
 hatch to hull area 'cause the stress is unacceptably high in the right
 angle joint - a way around that is to use a T stiffener externally,
 perpendicular to the weld - this isn't too often done because not many know
 that it can be! Hope this helps!
 Regards 
 Phil Nuytten >>

Hi Phil,
Can you explain the "T stiffener" in greater detail?  
Thanks,
Gene