Carbon fibre is used in formula one cars

In summary: Carbon fibre is used in formula one cars for aerodynamics and load reduction. While wheel bearings may seem like a good place to reduce weight, there are other areas that are more important and cost-effective. However, for high fuel mileage or weight-critical applications, using lightweight materials like those found in high-performance motorcycles can be a good and affordable choice. In summary, F1 cars use carbon fibre for aerodynamics and load reduction, but there are more important and cost-effective areas to address for weight reduction. However, using lightweight materials like those found in high-performance motorcycles can be a good and affordable choice for certain applications.
  • #1
scuderia
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Carbon fibre is used in formula one cars to decrease load and increase aerodynamics. Is there a bearing which also works in a similar means ( re: light weight, as strong as current auto specs)?
 
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  • #2
The last time I worked on a wheel bearing on a full sized Chevy truck I could have sworn the weight was under a pound. And that's a truck designed for severe duty. The bearings seems like an odd place to try to reduce mass when there are far more important areas to address first like a lightweight rotating assembly inside the engine or the structure/body of the car and so on.

That said, its all about the money you wish to spend, loads applied, and durability you need. Exotic materials cost a lot to procure and manufacture with precision, an average auto is going to have 3x the mass of an F1 car so that's going to scale the loads tremendously, and an F1 car is rebuilt every 500 miles.

Do you have a specific application like a high fuel mileage competition car or some other highly weight critical application? Because for something like that with light usage, extremely low weight, low rolling resistance, etc where the weight of the bearings would contribute significantly to the car than some of the hi-performance motorcycle parts would be an easy and economical choice.

The performance of these motorcycles in the last couple decades is amazing and one of the few affordable means of enjoying the fruits of racing. The new bikes are lighter, stiffer, faster - better performers in every way and yet the entire purchase costs less than the cost of one automotive option filtering down from F1. Oh, and they can get you from point A to point B too. :smile:

Cliff
 
  • #3


Yes, there are other materials that are also used in the automotive industry that have similar characteristics to carbon fibre. One example is titanium, which is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in high-performance vehicles. Another material is aluminum, which is lightweight and has good structural strength. Both of these materials are commonly used in the automotive industry to reduce weight and improve performance, similar to how carbon fibre is used in formula one cars.
 

1. How is carbon fibre used in formula one cars?

Carbon fibre is used in formula one cars primarily for its lightweight and strong properties. It is used to make the chassis and body of the car, as well as various components such as the steering wheel, suspension, and aerodynamic parts.

2. Why is carbon fibre preferred over other materials in formula one cars?

Carbon fibre is preferred over other materials in formula one cars because it is incredibly strong and stiff, yet lightweight. This allows for better performance on the track, as the car can be faster and more agile with a lighter weight.

3. How is carbon fibre different from traditional materials used in cars?

Carbon fibre is different from traditional materials used in cars because it is made up of thin strands of carbon atoms that are woven together to create a strong and lightweight material. Traditional materials such as steel or aluminum are heavier and not as strong, making them less ideal for high-performance racing cars.

4. Are there any downsides to using carbon fibre in formula one cars?

One potential downside to using carbon fibre in formula one cars is that it can be expensive to produce and repair. Additionally, it requires a high level of expertise and specialized equipment to work with, making it less accessible to smaller racing teams.

5. How does the use of carbon fibre in formula one cars impact the environment?

The production of carbon fibre does have a negative impact on the environment, as it requires a lot of energy and resources. However, the lightweight nature of carbon fibre can also help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it more environmentally friendly in terms of the car's performance on the track.

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