'Cause I could put it to good use.
I am designing the suspension for the 2012-2013 Formula SAE Electric race car and am looking to do something radical. I go to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo for those who don't know me. Senior in Mechanical Engineering, interested in vehicle dynamics, etc.
Anyway, the only real drawback to my design is increased unsprung weight which can be eliminated by switching to carbon fiber. We have some AS4 0-90 cloth and some tri-weave, too. But with the test coupons I will need to make and the number of links and number of plies in each link I will need as much as I can get.
I would really like some unidirectional pre-preg but dry is good too. The parts are small enough to fit in the autoclave so pre-preg is quicker but I can try to get a nice, lean VRI and use some higher temperature resin rather than RTC.
Fiberglass is accepted, too. No Kevlar, please.
The main thing is I can't get a 7075 aluminum plate in 3/4" thick and a big area, and I need several of those but will be machining away most of it. The composites also allow me to eliminate some bolts. Also, I have composite experience and will be a tech in the composites lab here but don't know CNC yet. I am thinking of using aluminum inserts and machining those but that is a lot easier than the many triangles and things I would have to do in the aluminum.
If you guys are interested in the new design I could email you a couple solidworks snaps but you can't really understand what is going on just from that. You need to see the solid assembly moving in front of you. Until then, please make due with the current setup and which I am going to be changing. Less static camber, more camber gain, still with the mini moto tires...
(shown during testing without bodywork)
If you donate anything, we will find a spot for you on the car and if you are local you can come check it out!