I wonder if this is z-pinning?

"Apparantly they use some sort of anti-splinter process to ensure the cage does not shatter into shards if it is subject to an impact" They have worked with Airbus, i think they used  different type of carbon fiber or resin, its possible. Normally it causes shatter into shard if it is subject to an impact. You shouldn't try that because of safety.

Hi Ian

I only put those links up for information. I'm all for pushing the boundaries of whats possible to be home made in carbon but I also know that I'm no composites expert and I wasn't promoting the idea of a home made carbon roll cage at all.

I've put a couple of cars on their roof and really wouldn't want only a bit of composite between me and the griding road surface. I've got a nice steel T45 full cage on my car. It is surprisingly light for the size of structure it is. 

I'd set you're mind on some weight saving, cool looking, bodywork if I were you.  

Craig

Some time ago safety devices offered aluminium roll cages for mk2 escorts.  I believe the company has changed hands since then but it's worth a phone call to see if you could get one made for your car.

My vote would be for a steel cage as well but just for information. This thread reminded me of this OakleyDesign carbon roll cage.

http://www.oakleydesign.eu/oakley-design-carbon-fibre-roll-cage

https://cornerbalance.wordpress.com/2009/02/07/design-innovations-carbon-fiber-rollcage/

Craig

Carbon fiber is very brittle, it means impact absorbing very low energy, at the same time glass fiber is brittle but 4-5 times better than carbon fiber in terms of absorbed energy. I think u should use ductile metals, safety first

Thanks f1rob,

Don't do it !

Done lots of crash structures in F1 and thou your not going to see the forces we see if anything did happen its still going to be a fair bit of force

It "could" be done-but not easily

Two main problems for you are -

1-What ever your end design was just like every one else you have to crash test it to have proof of concept

2-Fitting, one of the main areas do design goes into intergration  of the roll hoop into the main structure to spread the loadings.

Your existing chassis set up will be far from ideal and leads to a compromised composite structure before you even start

Composite structure can be very good in the initial crash,not very good in a secondary impact

There is the risk that if you make a composite one and (heaven forbid) you do roll it then you could end up with shards of carbon flying round the cabin.  I'd do it in steel or don't do it TBH.  These cars have a very C of G and I've not sen one rolled so as a fast tourer I'd be impressed if you did roll it!