2 replies to this topic

[bartez1000]

Hi.

As i underestand it, modern "Carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure" consists of  relatively thick aluminium honeycomb center layer  and two outer layers of carbon fibre "skins", like in the ilustration. How much the carbon fibre parts is responsible for the general crashworthiness of the structure? I belive that using honeycomb aluminium chassis with aluminium skins was pioneered by Lotus at the end of 70s.  Did the "revolutionary" Mclaren MP4/1 with carbon fibre chassis have monocoque similar to one from Lotus 78 but with carbon fibre skin, or it had some more fundamental differences?

 

 

[polarboy]

As you look at a modern tub you multiple carbon and honeycomb thicknesses

Some areas might only be 2/3 plies of carbon but others will be 15/20

You have many different materials with different orientations

The same with the cores as well as different thicknesses you have different grades (stiffnesses) an example of which is where you have an FIA squeeze test area there will be a lot stiffer core in that area than the other areas

 

Old Ali chassis are mainly seperate panels joined together mp4/1 was more like your second picture with complete inner and outer carbon skins

[bigleagueslider]

Isn't the aluminum honeycomb core used for it's specific characteristics in a crash/impact?

 

Also, the carbon fiber content of the skin laminates is typically less than 60%. The remainder is resin, and sometimes a tiny amount of voids.