Kite terminology (By Peter
Peters)
Kite terminology (By Peter
Peters)What are the names of the different parts of a kite. Don't you know it, or do you just have to refresh your memory? Either way, read below for information about the kite-jagon.
The frame of a kite are the spars that construct the skeleton of the kite. A lot of different materials are used. Modern stunt kites mostly use fiberglass or carbon/graphite.
Look at the picture....
The "spine" or "main spar" or "center spar" of a kite is the spar that runs from the nose to the "tail" of the kite. It is usually in the center of the kite. Some kites (such as the Revolution) have dual spines, and some have no center spine (such as the Flexi-Foil).
Look at the picture...
The "skin" or "sail" of the kite is the cloth that is put around the kite's frame. The most commonly used fabrics are: tyvek, ripstop nylon and ripstop polyester.
The flying lines of the kite are the lines that are used to control the kite. The most commonly used types are: spectra, dyneema and kevlar.
The lines that attaches directly to the kite frame and in turn attach to the flying lines. Other than tying everything together, the main purpose of the bridle is to govern the kite's angle of attack, i.e. the angle in relation to the wind. The bridle is adjusted for varying wind conditions. Each of the lines that run from the towing point (where the flying lines attach) to the frame are known as 'legs'.
By moving the bridle adjustment point
Adjusting the bridle is generally done in small steps (1/8") at a time. You can start by bridling your kite low or heavy (nose pointing more toward the back) and then bring the nose forward in those small steps until you like it. Make equal adjustments on both sides at the same time. Play with your bridle and see what it does to your kite. If your bridle settings are all wrong the kite won't fly, but you won't break the kite....
Also the length of the bridle is something to experiment with, although there are "rules of the thumb" for bridle line lengths. Different lengths will produce different characteristics. Longer bridle lines have a better force angle on the frame, thus reducing the strain. They will allow easier adjusting of the tow point. It will also be easier to tangle up your lines in edges and whiskers. Shorter bridle lines don't tangle that easily, but cause a lot of flex (bending of spars) in the frame while turning. This will e.g. cause the kite to stall easier.
As a rule of the thumb you can start with a bridle consisting of a dynamic
line that is as long as the leading edge and a static line that is 50-60%
of the leading edge's length.
For the "turbo" bridle the dynamic and static lines are equally
long, 80% of the leading edge's length.
The towing points are the points where the bridle and the flying lines connect. By moving this point on the bridle lines the flight characteristics of the kite can be changed.
The spreaders are the horizontal rods that keep the kite in it's shape.
The lower spreaders run from the kite's spine to the right and left leading edges.
The upper spreader runs from the kite's left leading edge to the right leading edge
This is the Span2/Area ratio of the kite. A low and wide kite has a high aspect ratio. A high and not so wide kite has a low aspect ratio. High aspect ratio kites have a large (dull) nose angle, low aspect ratio kites have smaller (sharper) nose angles. Generally high aspect ratio kites fly faster than low aspect ratio kites but are more vulnerable because of the longer spars.
A kite that exhibits oversteer is very touchy. When you pull to turn the kite over-rotates and you are required to counteract to correct it. This behaviour is partly due to the design of the kite, but is also influenced by bridle settings. Oversteer is usefull in a number of tricks and special maneuvres.
These are small thin spars that run between the trailing edges (back edge of the kite) and the lower spreader spars. Their purpose is to make sure the sail keeps the right shape in light winds. These are found most often on delta (triangular shaped) stunt kites.
This is a piece of line that is put into the hem of the trailing edge. Used to tension the trailing edge.
This is a piece of line that runs from a wingtip to spine bottom to the other wingtip. Used to prevent the flying lines from get wrapped around the wing tips or spine end.