Tech question - what's next after Carbon Fibre?

For metal parts that can handle the temperature, metal-matrix composites could be used but are banned for cost reasons as i undertsand it.

 

Quartz fiber reinforced plastic (QFRP)???

Airbus A380 uses it in their wing structures.

Some info:

http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/arc/qtzfibers.htm

http://www.super-resin.co.jp/en/frp1_1.htm

JD

 

CF is good for what it's designed for, but so far, all the materials we use are compromises in some way or others.

The ideal material would be a composite or custom structure using available materials in a matrix that provides the ideal ratio of strength/weight.

Nano materials should get us most of the way there.

 

BUCKEYBALLS
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1200/is_n23_v138/ai_9232352/
BUCKEYTUBES
http://www.science.org.au/nova/024/024key.htm

Carbon nanotubes (which are Buckeytubes)
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQAK4xxPGfM[/ame]

http://www.nanotech-now.com/nanotube-buckyball-sites.htm

 

+1, but thats a ways out. The tech is still fairly immature.

 

Hardened crystalized aerogels

 

A new technology...
Currently projected use as bone replacement, but I've read that the material will be used to make large tanker ships up to 80% lighter.

Titanium Foam

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDwyH3z_e2M[/ame]

 

the auto industry will continue to borrow new tech materials from the aero industry IMO

i do agree with the comment that design improvements will show most notable gains, look at pagani example, with the R model, they redesigned the pre-lam CF in it's lay-up and weave orientations, yielding much improved strength

speaking of pagani, we could include thier carbo-tanium stuff LOL not sure if it's really an improved material, or a marketing thing?

i can safely say that the F1 teams are even 'that much' further ahead then pagani's crew

 

Rapid prototyping is becoming more prevalent for certain components of the cars (brake ducts, for example). With stereolithography, there is no compromise to the shape of the finished part.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/814199/rapid_prototyping_from_bmw_high_speed_with_high_technology/

 

Unobtanium from Pandora.

 

Chedder?

 

If the periodic table is any indicator, nitrogen fiber.

 

I'd like to say microgravity composites.

But the way society is going, the higher likelyhood is crystals and pyramid power.


Or recycled: http://www.ehow.com/how_6612644_make-f1-cars-out-paper.html

 

Dildonium

 

Graphene or at least plastics reinforced with graphene in the intermediary step.

I'd say within 3 seasons you'll see some.

 

Holey-moley!

Cool ****! Thanks!

Cheers,
Ian

 

Maybe carbon-titanium. Like Pagani!

 

Polymimetic alloy is the future.

 

This one sounds interesting for use in parts of the car.

http://www.tgdaily.com/trendwatch-features/34052-revolutionary-aluminum-composite-stronger-and-lighter-than-carbon-fiber

 

What material exactly is this?

 

Don't remove your Wellies just yet, some of these are just word salad.