You wish to re-design a connecting rod functioning primarily as a column, which must not fail under a
maximum load of 1 kN. The current design has been made using a carbon fibre composite (CFRP) in the
form of a hollow cylindrical tube having an outer radius of 1 cm and length of 10 cm. Concern over budget
has led to questions regarding how the design could be made to retain the same functionality, but as
cheaply as possible.
a) Could cost be reduced in this case by means of a different shape, i.e. by choosing a shape with a
different shape factor. Explain your answer (2 marks)
b) Using only the information given above and assuming a fixed shape (hollow cylinder), derive a materials
index for this problem. Explain each step in your derivation. (4 marks)
c) Use this materials index with the attached chart(s) to show (on the chart) materials that would be better
than CFRP in this application. Comment on the “best” of these materials in terms of whether you think
they would make a good choice or not. If you were unable to derive a materials index in (b) propose what
you think would be a reasonable materials index (and explain why it is reasonable) (4 marks)
This study source was downloaded by 100000807890224 from CourseHero.com on 01-26-2022 12:09:18 GMT -06:00
This study source was downloaded by 100000807890224 from CourseHero.com on 01-26-2022 12:09:18 GMT -06:00
This study source was downloaded by 100000807890224 from CourseHero.com on 01-26-2022 12:09:18 GMT -06:00
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