True, mass savings would be very minimal (glass vs. carbon).....~1-2lb a
vehicle....that's why I questioned the benefits of carbon bumper skins when
compared to the costs.

Uhhh...so you're saying there's no advantage to a carbon part over a glass
part (holding resin constant) in terms of structural integrity??  I'd say
you're ignoring both the 20% increase in tensile strength of carbon and the
principle of combined action.

Or maybe I've missed the boat entirely.  Toot-toot.  -John

>From: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
>Reply-To: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: NEW Fiberglass bumpers and side moulding prices ..from the VW
>             dealer
>Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 22:00:48 +1300
>
>>Carbon is lighter and stronger but I'm not exactly sure if the benefits
>>out
>>weigh the costs.
>
>The minimal mass-saving would be of no benefit. The carbon fibers
>might be a bit stronger than the glass ones, but so what? It's the
>plastic (polyester or epoxy, both are true plastics) that breaks.

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