Is Carbon Fiber Very Strong?

[AlexRose]

Carbon fiber is an ultra-hard material that is 10 times harder than ordinary steel, second only to the hardness of diamond. Carbon fiber is formed by stacking organic polymer fibers with extremely high carbon content along the fiber bundle direction. Its exceptional resistance to shear force is not entirely due to its material properties. There is a decisive factor involved—critical voids. Here are the characteristics of carbon fiber: 1. High Carbon Content: In "pencils," a higher H index indicates higher carbon content, while a higher B index indicates higher graphite content. Naturally, those with a higher H index are harder, while those with a higher B index wear out faster. Graphite and diamond are both composed of carbon elements, but their atomic structures differ, resulting in different physical properties. However, in the material world, there is a commonality: carbon-based substances possess extremely high hardness and shear resistance. 2. Low Energy Absorption: F1 and many supercars use carbon fiber as a material for their bodies because carbon fiber is 20%-30% lighter than steel for the same volume, yet it is about 10 times harder than steel. Therefore, in F1 accidents, fatalities are not solely caused by high speeds; some are due to sharp carbon fiber fragments easily cutting through helmets and protective gear. Because of its outstanding hardness, in mass-produced civilian vehicles, carbon fiber is only permitted as a reinforcement for the main structure rather than being used extensively for exterior components. 3. Low Flame Resistance: While carbon fiber excels in physical properties, its performance in certain chemical properties is not as strong. For example, it has poor flame resistance.

[AlexisFitz]

The strength of carbon fiber is indeed very high. From my experience, I often encounter sports cars or modified car parts using carbon fiber during repairs. Carbon fiber itself is much lighter than steel but doesn't lose out in strength, even surpassing it in some aspects. For example, when used in car wheels or body frames, it can withstand tremendous pressure at high speeds without deformation. I once repaired a damaged car where the steel parts were severely bent, but the carbon fiber hood remained largely intact. Of course, high strength doesn't mean it's omnipotent—it's relatively brittle with slightly lower impact resistance, potentially cracking from minor collisions in daily use. Additionally, maintenance requires caution against UV exposure; avoid prolonged exposure and clean regularly to prevent corrosion and extend its lifespan. Overall, it's well-suited for applications prioritizing weight reduction.

[MacLily]

As someone who frequently races, I find the strength performance of carbon fiber to be outstanding, especially in terms of performance. On the track, vehicle lightweighting is crucial, and carbon fiber material provides high body strength while significantly reducing weight, resulting in faster acceleration response and easier handling. From my own modification experience, after switching to a carbon fiber driveshaft, the car's strength improved while the burden was reduced, making cornering more stable. Additionally, carbon fiber absorbs impact energy, so safety isn't compromised compared to traditional materials. However, it's important to note that the price isn't cheap, making it more suitable for professional players. If budget is a concern, aluminum might be a more cost-effective option with decent strength.

[OEmiliano]

Carbon fiber boasts exceptionally high strength. In terms of material properties, it is lighter yet stronger than steel, weighing several times less while achieving remarkable tensile strength. This makes its application in automotive structures such as chassis or body shells significantly enhance performance. A relevant example is supercars frequently adopting carbon fiber, as it aids in weight reduction and improves fuel efficiency. However, in certain impact tests, carbon fiber may be more brittle compared to metals, requiring reinforcement with other materials. For maintenance, it is advised to avoid high-temperature environments.