The Benefits Of A Carbon Fibre Hood

(superleggera). Submitted on Fri, 27 Jan 2012

Despite hoods looking like seemingly simple parts on an automobile, factory engineers take pains in their design, taking into account different designs and materials. As a mass-produced part, hoods have to be the best compromise between being easily manufactured, functional (in terms of cooling, airflow and aerodynamics), low cost and being light in weight. They are also sometimes part of the crumple zone designed into modern cars that deform in a progressive manner, absorbing the impact of a crash to protect the car’s occupants.



But as manufacturers seek lighter vehicle weights to allow the use of smaller engines, designers are looking into alternative materials such as aluminum alloys and carbon fiber. Combining lighter weights and smaller engines will allow car makers to meet increasingly stringent government fuel and emissions standards, without compromising too much the performance that car buyers have become accustomed to and expect. Taking a page from race car design, high performance automotive manufacturers are now using carbon fiber hoods to lighten their cars’ weight.

But this usage by car manufacturers of lightweight carbon composites was preceded by racers and hardcore enthusiasts, who saw the benefits of using a carbon fiber hood on their high performance cars. Aside from being significantly lighter over their steel counterparts, the weight reduction improves the power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle. Car manufacturers will espouse the benefits of a favorable power-to-weight ratio on fuel consumption, but racers and enthusiasts see the improved acceleration that a cumulative reduction in vehicle weight produces. But a carbon fiber hood does not only reduce weight, it removes the weight which is located relatively high on the vehicle. This improves the balance of the car, giving better handling and steering response in the process. With properly located vents in a high performance hood, underhood heat is also reduced, which reduces the chances for detonation. This in turn enables the engine to run more consistently at its optimum settings.

Aesthetically, carbon fiber composite parts can be shaped the way a designer wants. For parts for competition cars, incorporating the necessary vents, scoops or bulges in the hood can be done during the molding process. This allows the part manufacturer to produce a consistent and easily duplicated component. For track-only cars, it is actually a good idea to consider a front clip. What this is is an entire front end of a car (hood, fenders, grill and even bumper) moulded in fibreglass or carbon fibre. Held in place by clips or quick-release fasteners, a front end carbon fibre clip is much much lighter compared to steel fenders, hood, bumper and grill assembly. It also allows much easier access to a vehicle's front components, highly important in servicing a race vehicle. But this is not legal for street use because it considerably degrades the crashworthiness of a car if the proper reinforcement is not in place behind the front clip. For competition cars though, this is not a problem because a rollcage takes care of this safety concern.

 

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