Organic and bio-degradable race-car

[CallumNicklin]

Hello all,

 

 

I am a 3rd Year Motorsport Engineering student at the University of Bath (uk). For my dissertation, I will be designing and analysing a race-car that is entirely 'grow-able' exc. the motor, and is also bio-degradeable, in some ways similar to the work that has been done by Warwick (WMG). I am not restricted to classes etc. at this point, so I am looking to find any ideas regarding new materials and processes that are being tested at this moment that would fit the bill e.g. bamboo for a tubular chassis (i know this is old now), hemp and others. The materials can be as exotic as possible, as I will be testing and comparing as many as I can.

 

So, i would really appreciate some input for possible materials for any part of a race car! Notable mentions will be given in the final report

 

Callum

I will also be documenting the process to grow materials, and the economics/efficiency of said process, and also the same with the decomposition.

Also, any books that are worth reading!

I have done research and already have some - this is not a lazy effort just being multi sourced.

[EdEarl]

I know that mycelium is grown in forms (molds) to make various shapes for use as packing material for furniture (or whatever); it is an alternative to Styrofoam. Perhaps a similar technology can be developed to grow wooden roots in forms (molds), by putting root growth enzyme, nutrients, and ground roots into a form and letting them grow for a while (weeks?) If it works, one might grow a chassis and other structural components from wood. Or, perhaps one could grow connective joints between bamboo parts. Mycelium might be used for body parts. US20110268980 A1 is a patent application for the the mycelium process.

 

You might make drive train parts from something like ironwood, but that is not IMO a sustainable material for this application, and nothing currently beats steel for durability. I hope you have an idea for the engine, because nothing AFAIK that grows can withstand the temperatures and mechanical torture of cylinders, pistons and crankshaft.

[CallumNicklin]

Thanks very much for the reply EdEarl, I hadn't considered mycelium for this purpose and is definitely a viable method to talk about. For drivetrain parts and wishbones, i am currently looking at CNT or carbon fibres produced using natural processes and organic resins but still nothing set in stone. Producing chassis parts from molds as you suggest is a great idea.

 

The engine will most likely be an electric motor. Although this is not by any means organic or 'grown', it can be used for some extent in further chassis etc, and the energy supply can indeed by produced at very little cost (or nothing), and energy production processes can have a minimal wastage count. I will talk about hydrogen cells and also CNG, but in most cases the energy storage problems with these fuels stops them from being of benefit in Motorsport - after all, the car must be competitive.

 

Regarding the engine components, Honda have used sintered compounds for cylinder liners i think? Have not heard of anything entirely sustainable and non metallic.