Gap Seal Tape - Should I use it?

[aeajr]

I just completed building the Polecat Thermal Dancer 3.1 M sailplane
http://polecataero.com/products/thermal-dancer

I am doing the final prep and asked some folks about the use of gap seal tape. I got mixed responses, so I thought I would ask the community its opinion of the use of gap seal tape.

1) If you use gap seal tape, tell me why. Any input would be appreciated. Do you use it only on top of the wing gaps or do you use it on bottom of the wing gaps too? I am talking hinge gaps on ailerons and flaps.


2) If you don't use it, why not?

Have you ever tried it? Had a bad experience? Don't feel it helps? Feel it hurts? any input is appreciated.


I am open to any comments at all.

[Dave Robelen]

Hello AEAJR,
My field is not sailplanes, but I have had a fair amount of experience using gap seal tape on trailing edge controls of powered models. In general, if there is an appreciable gap in this heavily loaded part of the airfoil, performance tends to suffer, and response to the controls, especially ailerons is reduced. The bummer is that this reduction comes in the flight regime when you are flying near the stall, and the trailing edge is pretty heavily loaded. Assymetric response, tip stalls, and reduced L/D with a sailplane would be the issues.
When I install gap sealing tape, I put it on the surface that has the most bevel for movement. Typically, I use something like trim Monokote, and after disconnecting the linkage, bend the control to it's most extreme movement. I then put a strip of tape across the gap, and rub it really tight. Done right, there should be very little effect on the effort required to move the control through the normal range of movement.
Good luck, Dave