Portaledge Tubing Comparison
This video uses FEA (finite element analysis) to compare portaledge tubing currently being used in modern portaledges: 6061-T6 Aluminum (generally 1.125" OD 0.058" wall) and 4130 chrome moly steel (generally 0.875" 0.035" wall). Using FEA analysis, the Aluminum tubes are stronger, lighter and less flexy than the steel (note, this can all be done with standard engineering calculations using strength and modulus of elasticity data, but the FEA shows it graphically very nicely).