March 26, 2005
While at Purdue, Ryan was given a composites project for the race boat. The project was to build a portion of the shaft cover (in the cockpit) which would interface between the aluminum cover running under the seat and the firewall.
Based on his experience working with composites on the Purdue Solar Racing Team, this project was perfect for him, and could be completed away from the boat. (Ryan was project manager for the construction of the composite body for the car that semester.)
A plug was first made (based on dimensions taken from the boat) out of foam, from which an epoxy mold was pulled.
A carbon fiber & fiberglass wet layup was completed to make the part.
The part was such that it would flange under the rear and side pieces of the shaft cover, while having a lip on the forward end (large part) to be captured by the firewall.
Special thanks goes out to Steve Foulkes and Eric Aasen of the Purdue Solar Racing for their assistance in the project. A few extra sets of hands is always nice.
Read MoreBased on his experience working with composites on the Purdue Solar Racing Team, this project was perfect for him, and could be completed away from the boat. (Ryan was project manager for the construction of the composite body for the car that semester.)
A plug was first made (based on dimensions taken from the boat) out of foam, from which an epoxy mold was pulled.
A carbon fiber & fiberglass wet layup was completed to make the part.
The part was such that it would flange under the rear and side pieces of the shaft cover, while having a lip on the forward end (large part) to be captured by the firewall.
Special thanks goes out to Steve Foulkes and Eric Aasen of the Purdue Solar Racing for their assistance in the project. A few extra sets of hands is always nice.
