Overated Carbon Fibre: Which is The Strongest Material? Carbon Fiber Vs. Aluminum Vs. Steel | H...

 

 

Watch the video above to show clearly how poor carbon fibre is in strength. Actually not much different from Acrylic. Carbon fibre is also heavier than acrylic 1.4 vs 1.2 g/cu. cm.

Carbon fibre is excellent in rigidity, i.e. in not bending, up to 4 times stronger but it also means that it is fragile. In one demo of carbon fibre vs steel transmission shaft, the carbon fibre can withstand more than 2 times but it was completely broken. The steel shaft was just bent, so it can still hold the structure of the car.

Forces during collisions is mostly compressive forces. So it is strange that all the cars in the World Solar Challenge use carbon fibre. It is not because of strength but rigidity. It allows them to build rigid but flimsy cars that will break apart easily. Aluminium will be lighter and stronger but flexes and more difficult to mold into one piece. You need a large stamping press like what Tesla is trying to do now in its manufacturing.

It will be easier for students to build their own car with carbon fibre rather than aluminium but they can try to optimise with composites and corrugation.

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