Material search

[EricH]

I'm looking for a material that meets the following criteria:
--can take 87lbs load force (or more)
--no turbulent friction between aluminum and pavement

It should also be light and relatively cheap.

This is for a non-FIRST application. If anyone can point me in the right direction, please do so.

[s_forbes]

It all depends on how it's used... If you describe your project, we may be able to help you out a little better.

[EricH]

The idea is to coat an R/C aircraft's landing gear with this material.

My Aero team uses a material now (sorry, I don't know what it's called) that has a tendency to tear off the wheels under high-stress situations like landing with 32 lbs aboard an 8 lb plane. It sticks together in a tire shape, but leaves the wheel. After two near-DQs today, we're looking for something better.

We know about carbon fiber. The problem is, we'd need a LOT of spares--crash landings can take their toll.

[Peter Matteson]

Try using PEEK (poly-etheretherketone). It's an extremely crystaline plastic and you should be able to machine it to shape easily. It's used as a bearing material and in many aerospace components.

If you design it properly out of PEEK it will take the load.

[Kim Masi]

A carbon reinforced composite can hold a lot of force (depending on the size) and is VERY light. There isn't that much friction either. (Well, I'm not positive, but it's about the same as a metal). A perfect example would be a hockey stick. (Look at team 20, for example! )

Hockey sticks also run a variety of prices, depending on the quality, but can be pretty cheap. (Usually aluminum is cheapest, going all the way up to the expensive graphite ones)

If you need any more help, please let me know!