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Unread 02-11-2015, 00:43
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Re: pic: Carbon fiber monocoque drivetrain Top view

Quote:
Originally Posted by gblake View Post
Like some of the other posters, I'm no expert; but I immediately wondered why the design includes so many 90 degree corners and edges.

Aren't sharp corners/edges the exact places where structures made from carbon fiber, or similar materials, are most likely to fail, when the entire structure flexes?
This depends a lot on how you do the layup. Most of the time, in my opinion, rounded parts are used because it's a bit easier to fabricate, at least for the layup process (in addition to what Bryce2471 said already). Inevitably though, even if you do have 90 angles, the inside angles usually end up having to be slightly beveled just due to the nature of how the fabric connects the parts in most situations. Outside corners are a bit more forgiving but are still nice to round off a bit.
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