Hello Everyone !I am working on a lightweight Hovercraft projectFor that I need to build a frame that is both low in weight but also should be strongThe loads on the frame will be a single person's weight (consider 60-65 kg) at the center and some other components spread around the frame (about 10-15 kg)I am planning to use Rods for the frameI wanted to know which material would be better for this frame - Aluminium or Stainless Steel rods ?Please give your opinion based on the parameters like weight, strength and price.Note:- Carbon Fibre is out of my budget.
Aluminium is not as strong as steel, but for the loads you're talking about it'll be be perfectly adequate and it's about 1/3 the weight of steelSo I'd go for AluminiumAlso you might want to consider hollow tubes rather than solid rods since they have a better strength to weight ratioHope that helps.
