Carbon FIbre Kit CAR!!
Hey everyone, I'm doing a project at the university regarding Lotus-7 style kit cars. I'm thinking of building a carbon fibre passenger tub, so essentially the front frame and the back frame will remain as they are (either steel or aluminum). From my initial calculations a carbon fibre tub would further reduce the weight (by at least 40kg):icon_exclaim::icon_exclaim:, and additionally enhance stiffness by about 20% :badgrin:. What are your thoughts? is there a potential market for it? what are the important considerations to take into account? Here is a picture of a similar prototype!
http://s200.photobucket.com/user/Sam...5_Pro.jpg.html http://s200.photobucket.com/user/Sam...5_Pro.jpg.html Cheers guys! |
7Fan7 – Welcome to the forum. :cool:
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the 7 replica market. But I guess the market for a carbon fibre tub will be linked to the price. I think the other thing to consider would be proving the strength of the joins between the tub and the front/rear frames. Good luck, Paul. :) |
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I've talked to a few owners as well, and indeed the strength of the joints will be a key concern; so I'll definitely conduct further research on that. Cheers, 7Fan7 |
You may want to read up some on this guy:
https://www.palatov.com He was the first person to fit a V8 into an Ariel Atom and he and the guy who works in the shop next door (Tristan) have won some Pikes Peak titles in their time. I have one of his cars, that Tristan did the major part of the assembly of. Great team and super hard working. Check out all of his cars. One is a complete Carbon tub and frame. You may also want to read up about the new Corvette. That might give you some ideas too. I know you mention the 7, but perhaps using a new material may allow you to rethink the structure and layout. Look how Ariel or rather Nick Smart, reimagined the Atom by taking a different look at the true user requirements and the materials at hand. That and a little lateral thinking (bringing in ideas from nature) resulted in something quite new and revolutionary. What ever you decide, please keep us updated with your progress! Edit: sorry, I'm not 100% sure they are still making the carbon version - you will have to check out the website! |
From what I've read on the subject, carbon fibre isn't really an improvement on GRP for the kit-car market.
Although it's often described as 'stronger' than the equivalent weight of fibreglass or steel, what those who use the term mean is that it's more rigid than fibreglass or steel of the same thickness, so can be made lighter than either. That sounds great, but it actually means that for a vehicle body or boat hull it isn't such a forgiving material as fibreglass, which will distort then return to its original shape under moderate impact forces, where carbon fibre would shatter. On a racing car the (minimal) weight saving might be worthwhile, but the increased complexity of production, cost and inherent fragility of carbon fibre would put me off using it for a home-built kit car project. If you're set on using it then I'd consider coming up with an original design rather than yet another seven, and pitching it as a turn-key car at around the price of a Boxster or high-spec Elise for sale to those who like to brag about their unused weekend toy's technical specification after they've driven their seven series to the golf club. Good luck whatever you decide to do. |
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You are right in saying that the Ariel has indeed taken true user requirements into consideration during the design phase. The seven-style cars would indeed benefit from a revamp or in fact redesign, since essentially the car hasn't developed much over the past 20years. However, a quick chat with the owners of such cars also reveal that many of them are content with the current design. It certainly has its flaws but, and I quote, they say "That's what makes the car unique and original". I will definitely keep you updated on the findings! |
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I really appreciate your idea on developing my own design and in fact, I think will head into that direction rather than try to improve seven-style kit cars. I will keep you updated. Cheers |
Quick university survey
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https://goo.gl/forms/kyjYgLPVGPcp3OaE3 Cheers guys, 7Fan7 |
One of the things said about fibreglass shells on top of a boxframe chassis used to be, "But what happens if you are hit from the side by a motorcycle?"
Admittedly, the chances are remote. Presumably a carbon fibre tub would alleviate the risk of death? Only a small angle, but could be valid. |
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Very good question, and response. I guess the chances are indeed remote, but yes the CF tub would certainly be safer than using a fibreglass shell. Of course, we also need to consider the impact. On another note, I'd appreciate if you could answer this very quick survey, which aims to assess your perception of the carbon fibre tub. Your responses will be stored anonymously! The link to the survey is: https://goo.gl/forms/qC9vRV5eGaoh20G33 Cheers, 7Fan7 |
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