Competition Car Composites – A Practical Handbook (Revised 2nd Edition)

Composites have been around since ancient civilisations began making bricks from clay and straw. Glass fibre, carbon fibre and aramid fibres – to name but three – are recent innovations, yet today there are few competition cars that don’t have at least some components made out of one or more of these materials. However, while it is well known that glass fibre technology can be used in the home workshop, what may not be so widely realised is that more advanced fibres also lend themselves to DIY methods.
This revised edition of Competition Car Composites starts by examining the materials and methods that can be used, explaining basic ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ laminating techniques, pattern making and mould construction, and the design and manufacture of components. It then goes on to cover material and technology upgrades, and how more advanced materials can be exploited to achieve improved properties and reduced weight. The use of thermoplastic materials, resin infusion methods, and, especially, ‘pre-pregs’ in the home workshop, are also discussed, as are the composite techniques used by top racecar constructors.

Features

• A step-by-step guide to composite materials and processes applicable to the home workshop
• Covers core materials and resin systems, and processes from ‘wet lay-up’ to ‘pre-pregs’
• A hands-on, practical approach, with just enough theory to help you make informed choices about materials and methods
• Ideal for anyone who builds, repairs or develops competition cars or components – or anyone who wants to
• Most cars have composite material components, and knowledge of this technology can yield performance advantages
• Extensively illustrated, with many photos and examples from across the motorsport spectrum
• Down-to-earth text, writting in the author’s ‘thoroughly readable and understandable’ style
• Foreword by Brian O’Rourke, Williams F1 Chief Composites Engineer