Carbon floor

[tvrmallorca]

I was wondering if replacing the aluminium floor panels to carbon fibre would change the structure components of the chassis good or bad and also would it be approved in the IVA test?

[F.C.]

tvrmallorca said:

I was wondering if replacing the aluminium floor panels to carbon fibre would change the structure components of the chassis good or bad and also would it be approved in the IVA test?

The floor I believe adds to the torsional strength of the chassis but also the forward part is part of the crush zone,
Carbon fibre may not yield in the same way aluminium does.
Also you would need to research what type of carbon fibre you use, weave, thickness, autoclaved or not etc.

[Steve_D]

I've submitted a carbon floored car for IVA without issues.

However in this case I would talk to the Factory. If they say OK then good. If they say no then you would be on your own if it came to an insurance claim.

I have to ask why you want too? Is there some advantage you think you will gain.

Steve

[tvrmallorca]

Hey Steve

I'm thinking on a few points...

1) weight...although a minor point
2) cosmetic styling
3) I work with yachts so pretty easy to get the finish and strength required and then the carbon would be less scratch resistant than aluminium...

It's just a thought and want to put it out there as I am sure many people have had same thoughts.

[BobE]

You also need to be careful regarding galvanic corrosion. Here is a link about typical problems:
https://www.corrosionpedia.com/2/1556/corrosion/ga...

[Storer]

BobE said:

You also need to be careful regarding galvanic corrosion. Here is a link about typical problems:
https://www.corrosionpedia.com/2/1556/corrosion/ga...

It is worth remembering that the chassis is powder coated and you also bond the alloy/carbon to it using alloy rivets, so little chance of galvanic corrosion.


Paul

[BobE]

Storer said:

BobE said:

You also need to be careful regarding galvanic corrosion. Here is a link about typical problems:
https://www.corrosionpedia.com/2/1556/corrosion/ga...

It is worth remembering that the chassis is powder coated and you also bond the alloy/carbon to it using alloy rivets, so little chance of galvanic corrosion.


Paul

I think the issue would be if moisture got under the rivet heads and down the shanks as that is when a galvanic cell would be set up as the rivet shanks would be in electrical contact with the carbon fibres. I agree there would still be bonding agent holding the sheets to the chassis.

[renmure]

I am sure Pete (Chucknorris) who's business is all about carbon, has all his paneling in carbon including the floor. Looks fab and the car will be at Stoneleigh this weekend.

[F.C.]

I was in a materials testing lab today where among other things they test composite fuselage panels from commercial aircraft,
I put the question to one of the boffins about the possibility of galvanic corrosion in the case of our cars, he said rather you than me in the case of a riveted floor.
he muttered something about sintered titanium but our conversation was cut short,