I assumed same alloy for both beams, otherwise we couldn't compare them. I did not include the small ribs inside the mast though.



If you look at my calculations you see that I determine the weight of the blank Taipan forebeam by deviding the weight of the mast by it's length and than multiplying it back to 2.34 mtr.= length of beam.



Now the mast has probably a wall thickness of 0,002 mtr. And I know the circumference of the mast by deviding the 1.4 sq. mtr. mast area by the mastlength and multiplying it be 2.



With these values (derived from measured values) I can determine the density of the allow used for the mast = 2413 kg/cubic mtr. Which is a good value for aluminium alloys.



Now I assume I make the round section of the same alloy (hence same density and strength) and that it has a diameter of 0,075 mtr. and a wall thickness of 0,002 mtr. The rest is just mathematics.



From the moment of enertia calculations I made the Round beam section has at least the same stiffness as the ribbed mast section and probably is stiffer by some 15 %.



I also assume that the same but just longer dolphin striker is fitted which only adds less weight (about 6 % more) than the weight difference that I calculated. I';m still looking at optimizing that too.



But I expect that with the approach given above with give you a slightly stiffer beam of full F16 length with better torsion resistance which is at most of equal weight as the shorter Taipan beam and probable is lighter and stiffer.



Wouter