Hi,

I'm looking for some advice on making a composite sump guard for a competitive off road buggy. The usual material used would be a 5-6 mm good quality aluminium sheet so I'm trying to figure out

if it would be possible to make a composite part with similar or better mechanical properties that would weight less that the aluminium . The approx dimensions of the sheet are 400mm wide by 700mm long. It needs to have good impact resistance and toughness as it is going to be hit by stones and gravel and scrape on the ground at times.

I'm a newbie at working with these materials, I've made some hand lay up fiberglass pieces in the past so have a little experience with making molds. Having looked at the EC videos I'd like to try the resin infusion method.

Could anyone recommend a material to use, carbon fiber or kevlar or a something else? How many layers etc  would be needed?  

Any advice, information would be appreciated.