View Single Post
  #2   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 09-03-2008, 21:28
geeknerd99's Avatar
geeknerd99 geeknerd99 is offline
Fire Hazard
AKA: Daniel Lin
FRC #0401 (Hokie Guard)
Team Role: Programmer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Rookie Year: 2005
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 276
geeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud ofgeeknerd99 has much to be proud of
Send a message via AIM to geeknerd99 Send a message via MSN to geeknerd99 Send a message via Yahoo to geeknerd99
Re: Need help, Titanium / Carbon Fiber / Aluminum

This all depends on its application. I'll use bike frames and components, as that's what I have the most experience with involving these materials.

Ti is extremely lightweight, but also pretty darn expensive. It is probably the strongest of the 3, but also has benefical vibration dampening features. It's been said that it has the ride quality of steel, the weight of carbon fiber, and the durability to the elements of aluminum. I wouldn't flex it though.

Carbon is really light, but often has no crush resistance. It might be a decent choice if flexing (within reason) is required.

Aluminum is light enough, strong, but does not fatigue well at all. When aluminum goes, it goes suddenly and often catastrophically.

I would generally pick Ti for the weight/strength ratio, but the addition of flex in your query makes it difficult. Could you elaborate more on what you need this data for?
__________________