View Single Post
Old 08-25-2012, 02:24 AM   #19 (permalink)
MTrenk
Formula SAE Engineer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 65
Thanks: 4
Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts
There needs to be some sort of structure equivalent to a metal frame. What are safe racecars build out of? Metal and Carbon Fiber.
However, he could be well off with a minimal metal frame, and composite shell.
From my experience, the most effective type of frame is a hybrid of composite monocoque, and metal structure. By replacing bracing (diagonal tubes) with composite panels of equal or greater strength (carbon fiber), you actually achieve a stiffer, stronger frame than either straight metal or straight composite.
__________________
Max Trenkle
Student Engineer - TTU Motorsports
  Reply With Quote