Hello everyone,
We are building a formula student car and this is our first time. I have no prior experience in carbon fiber fabrication. I have decided to do vacuum infusion. How to decide the number of layers needed? I've already calculated the required thickness for the strength I need but there are few things which make me confused,
- If 3K 200GSM 2/2 twill fabrics are used, how to know the thickness of 3 layers with resin? 
- If a core material is used could I reduce the number of carbon fiber layers? 
- Any suggestions on the fabric type, number of layers and core material combinations to get 'good' strength so that it won't fail when hit on a cone, rock or something hard (I mean a rule of thumb from your experience)?
Thanks!!

Check in detail the regulations for nose impact attenuator for the specific competition you are entering.  Most of the western FSAE competitions have either a specified impact attenuator design for a specific tested foam material and/or have a chosen supplier who can offer an off the shelf unit pre-made.

If you choose to go away from that path, you will spend days  testing and calculating for your new crashbox as you have to provide proof of structural equivalency for it to be considered acceptable.


Warren Penalver
Easy Composites / Carbon Mods - Technical Support Assistant

Hi Warren,
We are using the standard impact attenuator. And our chassis is spaceframe.  What I want is an advice on body panel fabrication.
Thanx...