Tue, 18 Apr 1995 16:34:00 +1000 by citrus.citr.uq.oz.au (5.65c/CiTR-Generic) ; id ; Tue, 18 Apr 1995 16:33:56 +1000 id ; Tue, 18 Apr 1995 16:33:53 +1000 Date: Tue, 18 Apr 1995 16:28:33 +0200 From: parkyn@citr.uq.oz.au (Nick Parkyn) Subject: Carbon fibre / Armpit scoops. Carbon ------ There have been some references to using carbon fibre: "Ron Kidd suggested to me that I add a layer of carbon fiber BID cloth at the hinge reinforcement areas which I did. He had experienced a little paint cracking at the hinges because of the flexing. After adding the carbon, it won't be flexing - that stuff is tough!" -------------------------------- "I am considering strengthening the region using either carbon........" Be careful - it is not as simple as just using carbon! In many instances if you add carbon fiber to a glass fibre structure all of the local loads could be taken by the carbon fiber and not shared with the glass fiber. When using carbon fibre,fasteners must be insulated from the carbon fiber or electrolysis will take place, destroying the fasteners. If you cannot guarantee insulation from the carbon you should use titanium!!!! Arm pit scoops -------------- It seems from reports that the armpit scoops do not significantly reduce drag. The recent article about the CAFE foundation winning Vari-eze seemed to suggest that!