There was a news story on a carbon fiber and kevlar structure that has been
developed at BYU. A 40 foot section, as long as a telephone pole but
stronger and cheaper, can be picked up with one hand.
Now for you inspectors out there, what would happen if someone showed up
with a car constructed using this system for frame rails or a roll
cage/envelope to protect the driver? In electric classes where the total
weight is a factor the weight savings could be a huge advantage.
Obviously it would require a total re-think of the problems involved and and
a demonstration of the increased safety protection it would afford. Looking
at the kevlar tubs used in Indy cars and extrapolating to salt vehicles ...
special construction classes like streamliners or lakesters, it could be a
huge factor in safety for the driver. I remember the carbon fiber skinned
liner that bounced back on it's wheels at World Finals a few years back.
Certainly seemed to prove how good that outer skin was.
Wes
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