Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Space Frame Chassis

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic1856.aspx

By Traffwll - 6/8/2012 9:41:09 AM

I have a glass fibre car with a rotten mild steel space frame chassis. Is it feasible to replace (partially replace) with your carbon fibre tubes and sections? I mean would they be strong enough. The main rust is in the main backbone chassis and the sections that come out along the sills. If i have a 1inch mild steel tube section what would i replace that with for same strength?

I would replace complete section for instance the whole backbone not just patch up the rusty bit.

Graham
By wojtepanik - 10/17/2013 9:04:57 AM

maurice (17/08/2013)
If I am out out of line, let me know, this is my first post.  This topic touched on the reason I started reading up on CF and composites.  Background, I am 54, repair equipment as full time job, can fix or build almost anything, except I have NOT done auto body work.  I would like to build a car, originally was thinking of making it traditional style with sheet metal, but have been interested in CF light weight and strength. 

Is it possible for a newbie to learn enough about the engineering qualities mentioned in this thread to make a reasonable safe car?  Either by using a donar car/truck frame or by making a unibody or monocoque? What sources or books or websites might I go to?  I know and respect the years of university training engineers must learn. 

Thanks!
In poland we have something called formula student, the use small engine with compressor and cf panels with steel tube frame, to build serious racing car. And this year my friend's team decided to build a monocoque frame, but the have a guy with science degree in advanced composites, especially monocoque construction. The are dping everything "on the backyard " with small amount of money. So it is possible but very complex indeed 
Bye