carbon fibre

[Mega Masher]

Just wondering, would a carbon fibre frame like the included pic be tough enough for combat. Would be 2mm carbon fibre all round, or made from one mould or shape with resiny stuff.
Pic:
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...psa6fec4e3.png

[Eventorizon]

Carbon fibre is no good for combat. It is very strong and stiff but not very tough and would snap and shatter very quickly. There would also be no quick way to fit it at an event.

Glass fibre, with some careful design, may be more suitable as it is not a brittle but most people don't use it as if it gets damaged then your chassis is a write off for that event. It has been used for armour in the past but for a chassis I can see it being more trouble than its worth.

[Mega Masher]

Ok, thanks for that

[limpet]

Once it's damaged it produces splinters which get everywhere, especially in your hands, and they conduct. Its not that strong as armour either unless you go much thicker.

[Mega Masher]

What about just for the top plate

[limpet]

You're going to need at least about 5mm thickness. An axe will have no problem with anything less.

[Mega Masher]

Oh, I was gonna use some 1.5mm hobbyking carbon fibre plate
(That kinda points towards total failure and and destruction )

[RogueTwoRobots]

5mm or greater is probably for featherweight upwards. For a beetleweight, 1.5mm should be fine.

[limpet]

Depends what you're up against :-)

[Mega Masher]

Ok, thanks jamie