Carbon Fiber Chassis Mods by University of Utah Mech. Eng. Senior Design Team

[swilsy45]

My team and I designed, built, and installed a carbon fiber tunnel, carbon wrapped aluminum tube frame, and a new cooling system on a 2008 Dragon 800 with a 155 and the 2010 motor package. The sled was donated to us by Polaris and the odometer read 0 miles when we got it. We recieved a large amount of support from local companies and some outside the area by way of cash and material donations. With everything installed we have an estimated weight savings of about 16lb. We were only able to test ride the sled a couple of times because it wasn't in running condition until March 21 but it performed well. The Hayabusa radiator with dual fans and thermostat control kept the engine cool and despite hitting a rock and bending an A-arm, the carbon held up fine. Video on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61bCd7mZ7f8

[Rob1334]

Cool! Was the cooling idea just a new concept to try or is there a problem getting them to cool in a carbon fiber chassis (snow not stick to it or something)? Any future plans for more CF parts??

Any plans to see with sponsors how light you can go and still keep strength?

[swilsy45]

For the stock tunnel, the high conductivity and emissivity of aluminum alloy makes it possible to pipe coolant through it and use it as a big cooling fin. The epoxy resin used for the matrix causes the composite material to not conduct heat very well, so that wasn't an option. Also, the cowling used to cover the radiator provides an opportunity to produce a different look for the sled. As far as future work is concerned, our six person team is all graduating in a week, so further University work probably won't happen with us, but there may be another team next year that could pick up where we left off. I was the project leader and originally organized the project over a year ago and I personally, would love to take this technology to market and perhaps apply it to other areas of power sports as well, but it might take a couple of years while I work on my MBA.

[diamonddave]

Congratulations, very cool stuff.

[BigTruck]

Imagine what these guy's could accomplish with some "inside" help from a manufacturer!

Great job.

[techsledder]

Very nice job to you and your team! Worked with AD Boivin back in 2000 on my senior design and a little FEA analysis to their Expert skid frame and put it through a weight loss program as well. Fun stuff this mechanical engineering can be when you can apply it to a sport you love!

[swilsy45]

thank you

[swilsy45]

Yeah this mechanical engineering can really be no fun if you don't apply it to something you really care about. I didn't get much sleep for the last 9 months or so and even developed a twitch in my face for a little while from the stress, but I can't imagine having chosen another project. Definitely worth it.