A scarf joint is often used in wood work, e.g. for hat boxes and drums. Each end is "scarfed" with a diagonal /overlapping face, so when bent into a circle there is consistent thickness and strength, but a long diagonal overlap so that there is a large surface area for glue to hold to.
Volume's idea seems totally sound to me, but whether it is normal or needed with composites is beyond my knowledge. If the taper of the scarf joints
were in the orientation in which the panel would "plug" into a "socket" on the inside of the fuselage it would thus be almost impossible for it to blow out even in the event of serious adhesive failure.
On a lighter note, the breeze is steadily increasing as predicted, so I am hoping the Queen of Sheba's tail does not blow off with the wind.
(Apologies to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore).
Last edited by joy ride; 25th Oct 2013 at 14:52.