Quote:
Originally Posted by imcosmokramer
reasoning for design 2:
1. might be stronger since there return holes are not drilled in a 5x5 section on the top left/right of the pane
2. improved surface skimming
but don't worry, I have reasons for design 1 as well, lol.
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Design 1 is actually stronger, the side pane has virtually no bending stress or membrane stress (from pressure) where the return holes are located. In addition the overflow box adds strength. In design 2 there is a stress concentration factor at the radius where the front pane extends to the overflow box. If the radius is the same as half the diameter of the return holes it will have the same concentration factor for stress but the difference is that particular area does have much higher bending stress from the long length of the front pane of glass, especially if the tank isn't braced. In addition that corner radius is likely going to be smaller than the hole radius, the smaller the radius the higher the concentration factor meaning higher stress.
As for improved surface skimming, you may be right but 20" is pretty big already. I good alternative if this is what you're looking for is take design 1 and increase the length of the overflow and move the return lines into the overflow like design 2, then you accomplish both your goals.