| Methods | What is it? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-Cure/Fully Encapsulated Hoop (Tubes are apart of the layup) | • Steel tubes are physically buried inside the carbon layers during layup and autoclave process (Basically co-cure like I described in ‣ . | ||
| • Top layer would be fiberglass to prevent the carbon fiber from corroding the steel. | • Best weight savings | ||
| • Best chassis stiffness, strength result | |||
| • Hard to manufacture (Will need an big jig (HDF probably) to hold the hoop’s geometry in place during the autoclave process) | |||
| • Steel expanding and shrinking quicker than CF during temperature changes | |||
| • CF cures around the expanded steel in the autoclave, when it cools the steel will shrink quicker than CF which could cause it to pull inward (internal tensions) - Will need to look into prevention methods | |||
| Composite Sleeves for Hoop (Tubes are assembled after layup) | • The chassis is baked in the autoclave with empty carbon holes (sleeves/sockets) built into interfacing points | ||
| • The hoop is slid into these holes after curing and is secured with a structural epoxy adhesive (Ex. 3M DP420, Hysol) | |||
| • Also fiberglass layer to address corrosion | • Easier to manufacture and assemble | ||
| • Extra epoxy adhesive means more insulation |
| • Extra weight from epoxy adhesive • Less stiff and strength compared to co-cure method | | Anodizing the Aluminum mounts | • Prevents galvanic corrosion | | |