Monocoque Inserts

[Andy]

What type of material are North American teams using for their tub inserts to handle loads such as those experienced at the inboard control arm points? I had planned to use a Tufnol insert, which I used where I worked this summer. However, I just found out that Tufnol is owned by a UK company and it's really hard to get it over here in the United States due to material/shipping costs and toxicity problems. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jon Huddleston]

I spent a bit of time looking for inserts for our undertray and wings from aerospace fastener companies last fall. I found the best solution was to just make them yourself. A CNC would help, but I'm sure some aluminum or steel inserts could handle the loads and be made easily.

[Charlie Murphy]

I agree...it's easier to make them yourself.
Here are some good ideas if you haven't seen these already:
http://www.hexcelcomposites.com/Markets/Products/Panels/Sandpanel_fab/Spft_p09.htm

[Andy]

Thanks guys. I was actually planning on making them myself using a CNC, but it is mainly the material I am after. I would like to stay away from aluminum or steel in order to save weight and that's why I was looking into the Tufnol plastic inserts or something similar. Thanks for the info!

Andy

[bus driver]

try looking at engineering plastics. we use mostly tufnol because we havent dont a lot of fatigue anaylsis on the plastic ones, but the good thing about plastic is that you can thread it. so you only need a bolt rather than nut and bolt. they are very light, non toxic and easy to machine.

try looking at

www.dotmar.com.au (http://www.dotmar.com.au)

they are an aussie company, but im sure you can find equivalent plastics in the states.

hope this helps.

joe totten
Chassis Team Leader
UWA Motorsport

[The guru of guru's]

We have found that one of the best ways to make attachment points in foam or nomex is to drill a hole and hollow out the hole with a hook of some sort then inject a epoxy/microsphere filler into the hole. This gives very high compresive strength and allows you to put holes where you like.
Cheers