Lightweight layup design

[NeedOne]

But they are remarkably quiet​ (and tough) compared to the lightweight "racing" cowls.

No doubt they are solid and I actually like the look of em! I might try and pop a lightweight version down the road, focusing on the hatch for now it's easier and heavier.

I'll report back with some findings on layup when I get back to it. Thanks guys

[NZ Sidewinder]

One question I have is whether to use uni or plain for infusing Carbon.
Uni is more difficult to pull epoxy through.
Instead of 2 layers of uni, why not 3 layers of plain.
For me it's a question of risk versus weight.
3 plain layers will have less risk of dry spots but be a little heavier.
I'm just starting out on this journey

[LakeFever]

If you haven’t made your test pieces yet you can always make a small piece with careful measurements to get a weight per square inch number. Something like a 4” x 4” by 1/2” coosa with a single layer of 1708 on it. Weigh it before the lay and after. Then add a second lay of 1708 over it and weigh it again etc. then using the weight values apply the math to your hatch and cowl sizing and calculate out your projected weight. For what it’s work it takes 0.65ml of resin for every square inch of 1708. You can use that as well for some rough weight calculations.


Can’t help with the carbon fibre. I’ve never touched the stuff. I did find discussions that cf is not as strong as fiberglass though. It was a fairly compelling explanation.

[VkingMike]

But they are remarkably quiet​ (and tough) compared to the lightweight "racing" cowls.

When I watch a racing cowl bounce around and shake itself apart, it makes me love my heavy fishing cowl lol

[LakeFever]

When I watch a racing cowl bounce around and shake itself apart, it makes me love my heavy fishing cowl lol

mine shakes around like crazy. It’s my first one and it is surprising. Considering some reinforcements

[NZ Sidewinder]

This is my current project.
It's a male mold for an infused UIM standard racing safety cell.
20mm devini foam core, glass/ carbon/ kevlar
Screen frame is multi core/ carbon/ kevlar laminate.
Aiming for 4000N UIM test sample.
Its for a vee mono.
Mold is coated in Durapox and ready to sand.
Screen is to be 6mm polycarbonate and the frame is fabricated in multi core g/ k/ C laminate.

[NICE PAIR]

This is my current project.
It's a male mold for an infused UIM standard racing safety cell.
20mm devini foam core, glass/ carbon/ kevlar
Screen frame is multi core/ carbon/ kevlar laminate.
Aiming for 4000N UIM test sample.
Its for a vee mono.
Mold is coated in Durapox and ready to sand.
Screen is to be 6mm polycarbonate and the frame is fabricated in multi core g/ k/ C laminate.

Nice!