THE AGE OF CARBON
... New groups of animals begin to conquer the land, but their separation from the aquatic environment was not yet final. By the end of the Carboniferous (350-285 million years ago) the first reptiles appeared - completely terrestrial vertebrates ...
Biology textbook
After 300 million years, carbon has returned to Earth again. It's about technologies that represent the new millennium. Carbon is a composite material. It is based on carbon threads, which have different strengths. These fibers have the same Young's modulus as steel, but their density is even lower than that of aluminum (1600 kg / m3). Those who have not studied at physics and technology will have to strain now ... Young's modulus is one of the elastic moduli that characterizes the ability of a material to resist stretching. In other words, carbon strands are very difficult to break or stretch. Compression resistance is getting worse. To solve this problem, they came up with the idea of weaving the fibers together at a certain angle, adding rubber threads to them. Then several layers of such fabric are connected with epoxy resins. The resulting material is called carbon fiber or carbon fiber.
Since the middle of the last century, many countries have been experimenting with obtaining carbon. First of all, the military was interested in this material, of course. Carbon went on the free sale only in 1967. The first company to sell the new material was the British company Morganite Ltd. At the same time, the sale of carbon fiber as a strategic product was strictly regulated.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important benefit of carbon fiber is its superior strength-to-weight ratio. The modulus of elasticity of the best "grades" of carbon fiber can exceed 700 GPa (and this is a load of 70 tons per square millimeter!), And the breaking load can reach 5 GPa. At the same time, carbon is 40% lighter than steel and 20% lighter than aluminum.
Among the disadvantages of carbon: long manufacturing time, high material cost and difficulty in restoring damaged parts. Another disadvantage: when in contact with metals in salt water, CFRP causes severe corrosion and such contacts should be excluded. It is for this reason that carbon could not enter the world of water sports for so long (recently, they learned to bypass this shortcoming). 
Another important property of carbon is low deformation and low elasticity. Under load, carbon is destroyed without plastic deformation. This means that the carbon monocoque will protect the rider from the strongest impacts. But if it doesn’t stand it, it won’t bend, but break. Moreover, it will scatter into sharp pieces.
Carbon fiber production
Today, there are several ways to obtain carbon fiber. The main ones are the chemical deposition of carbon on a filament (carrier), the growth of fiber-like crystals in a light arc, and the construction of organic fibers in a special reactor - an autoclave. The latter method is most widespread, but it is also quite expensive and can only be used in industrial conditions. First you need to get the carbon strands. To do this, take fibers of a material called polyacrylonitrile (aka PAN), heat them up to 260 ° C and oxidize them. The resulting semi-finished product is heated in an inert gas. Long-term heating at temperatures from several tens to several thousand degrees Celsius leads to the process of the so-called pyrolysis - volatile components decrease from the material, and fiber particles form new bonds. In this case, the material is carbonized - "carbonization" and the rejection of non-carbon compounds. The final stage in the production of carbon fiber involves weaving the fibers into plates and adding epoxy. The result is black carbon fiber sheets. They have good elasticity and high tensile strength. The more time the material spends in the autoclave, and the higher the temperature, the more high-quality carbon is obtained. In the manufacture of space carbon fiber, temperatures can reach 3500 degrees! The most durable grades go through several additional stages of graphitization in an inert gas. This whole process is very energy-intensive and complex, because carbon is much more expensive than fiberglass. Do not try to carry out the process at home, even if you have an autoclave - there are many tricks in the technology ...
Carbon in the auto world
The appearance of carbon could not fail to interest the designers of racing cars. By the time carbon fiber was introduced to F1 trails, almost all monococks were made of aluminum. But aluminum had disadvantages, including its insufficient strength under heavy loads. The increase in strength required an increase in the size of the monocoque, and therefore its mass. Carbon fiber has proven to be an excellent alternative to aluminum. 
The first car with a carbon fiber chassis was the McLaren MP4. The path of carbon fiber in motorsport has been a thorny one and deserves a separate story. To date, absolutely all Formula 1 race cars have a carbon monocoque, as well as almost all "junior" formulas, and most supercars, of course. Recall that a monocoque is a load-bearing part of the car's structure, the engine and gearbox, suspension, plumage parts, and the driver's seat are attached to it. At the same time, it plays the role of a safety capsule.
Tuning
When we say "carbon", we remember, of course, the hoods of tuning cars. However, now there is no body part that could not be made of carbon fiber - not only the hoods, but also the fenders, bumpers, doors and roofs ... The fact of weight savings is obvious. The average weight gain when replacing the hood with a carbon fiber one is 8 kg. However, for many, the main thing will be the fact that carbon parts on almost any car look insanely stylish!
Carbon appeared in the cabin as well. You won't save much on carbon fiber toggle toggle covers, but the aesthetics are beyond question. Neither Ferrari nor Bentley disdain salons with carbon elements.
But carbon is not only an expensive styling material. For example, it is firmly established in the clutch of cars; and the friction linings and the clutch disc itself are made of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber "traction" has a high coefficient of friction, is lightweight, and is three times more resistant to wear than conventional "organic".
Another area of application for carbon fiber is brakes. The incredible brake performance of the modern F1 is provided by carbon discs that can handle the highest temperatures. They can withstand up to 800 heat cycles per race. Each of them weighs less than a kilogram, while the steel counterpart is at least three times heavier. You can't buy carbon brakes on a regular car yet, but on supercars, such solutions have already come across.
Another commonly used tuning device is the durable and lightweight carbon propeller shaft. And more recently, there was a rumor that Ferrari F1 is going to install carbon gearboxes on its cars ...
Finally, carbon is widely used in racing clothing. Carbon helmets, boots with carbon inserts, gloves, suits, back protectors, etc. This "outfit" not only looks better, but also increases safety and reduces weight (very important for a helmet). Carbon is especially popular with motorcyclists. The most advanced bikers dress themselves in carbon from head to toe, the rest quietly envy and save money.
New religion
A new carbon era crept quietly and quietly. Carbon has become a symbol of technology, excellence and modern times. It is used in all technological areas - sports, medicine, space, defense industry. But ulevolokno penetrates into our everyday life! You can already find pens, knives, clothes, cups, laptops, even carbon jewelry ... Do you know what is the reason for the popularity? It's simple: Formula 1 and spaceships, latest sniper rifles, monocoque and supercar parts - do you feel the connection? All this is the best in its industry, the limit of the possibilities of modern technologies. And people, buying carbon, buy a piece of perfection unattainable for the majority ... 
Facts:
in a carbon sheet with a thickness of 1 mm 3-4 layers of carbon fibers
in 1971 the British firm Hardy Brothers introduced the world's first carbon fiber fishing rods
today, high-strength ropes, nets for fishing vessels, racing sails, aircraft cockpit doors, bulletproof protective army helmets are made from carbon fiber
Arrows made of aluminum and carbon are commonly used for long-range sport archery by professional athletes.
At the Essen Motor Show, we saw a freaky carbon ring on a finger on an AutoArt booth employee. When asked to display the product in his endless catalog, he replied that it was actually just a carbon hub that he removed from his bike ...
I read a blog here and wondered how much do I know about carbon? It is durable, beautiful and colorful. I also know that you can paste over a car with carbon fiber. I was interested in the story, rummaged a little on the Internet and decided to post a team hodgepodge of copy-paste and my thoughts on this matter.
probably I'll write right away that there will be a lot of letters) I will try to make the post interesting)
Initially, the word carbon came from the abbreviation of the name of the Carboniferous period of the existence of our planet (360-286 million years ago, or in the memory of the wiki 360-299 million years ago), when large reserves of coal were laid in the bowels of the Earth.
The world first became acquainted with carbon fibers in 1880, when Edison proposed using them as filaments for lamps, but this idea was soon forgotten due to the advent of tungsten wire. Only in the middle of the last century, they again became interested in carbon fiber when they were looking for new materials that could withstand thousands of temperatures in rocket engines.
For the first time, carbon was used in the NASA program for the construction of spaceships, then the military began to use carbon. And in 1967, carbon began to be freely sold in England, but its quantity was limited, and the process was controlled by the state. The first company to sell the new material was the British company Morganite Ltd. At the same time, the sale of carbon fiber as a strategic product was strictly regulated.
In 1981, John Barnard pioneered the use of carbon fiber in a racing car, since then carbon has triumphed into motorsport, where it remains one of the best materials today. Now carbon is included in our daily life.
But let's slowly figure out what carbon is and what does it consist of ?:
Carbon - made from composite materials. It consists of carefully intertwined strands of carbon, which are intertwined at a specific angle.
Carbon filaments are very tensile resistant, they are flush with steel, because it takes very hard work to break or stretch them. Unfortunately, when compressed, they are not as good as when stretched, because they can break. To avoid this, they began to intertwine at a certain angle with the addition of a rubber thread. After that, several finished layers are connected with epoxy resins, and the usual material for our look comes out - carbon.
In fact, the options for making carbon as such are mass. There are different techniques, different approaches, etc. We briefly consider the technology, so to speak, for general development, in order to at least imagine how it is and what to eat it with =) Technologies are different, but the essence is the same - these are carbon threads. They are one of the main components.
But let's get back to a topic of more interest to us. Carbon in motor sports.
let's start with the simplest, so that no questions arise in the future, but what is it? =) * I honestly just found out what it is *
WIKI TO HELP: Monocoque (fr. Monocoque) is a type of spatial structure in which (as opposed to frame or frame structures) the outer shell is the main and, as a rule, the only load-bearing element.
And so, we are now smart, we know what a monocoque is, now let's move on to actually carbon in motorsport.
The appearance of carbon could not fail to interest the designers of racing cars. By the time carbon fiber was introduced to F1 trails, almost all monococks were made of aluminum. But aluminum had disadvantages, including its insufficient strength under heavy loads. The increase in strength required an increase in the size of the monocoque, and therefore its mass. Carbon fiber has proven to be an excellent alternative to aluminum.
Without breaking the established traditions, after "serving in the army" carbon fiber "took up" sports. Skiers, cyclists, rowers, hockey players and many other athletes appreciate the lightweight and durable equipment. In motorsport, the carbon era began in 1976. At first, McLaren cars appeared with individual parts from an outlandish black-iridescent material, and in 1981 the McLaren MP4 entered the track with a monocoque entirely made of carbon fiber composite. So the idea of the chief designer of the Lotus team, Colin Chapman, who created the supporting body of the racing body in the 1960s, received a qualitative development. However, at that time, the new material was still unknown to motorsport technologists, because the indestructible capsule for McLaren was made by the American company Hercules Aerospace, which has experience in military space development. 
The path of carbon fiber in motorsport has been a thorny one and deserves a separate story. To date, absolutely all Formula 1 race cars have a carbon monocoque, as well as almost all "junior" formulas, and most supercars, of course. Recall that a monocoque is a load-bearing part of the car's structure, the engine and gearbox, suspension, plumage parts, and the driver's seat are attached to it. At the same time, it plays the role of a safety capsule.
Well, sort of figured out more or less with what carbon is, what it consists of, and when it began to be used in motor sports.
In principle, like all materials on our planet, carbon has its pluses and minuses:
- The main advantage of carbon fiber is its strength and its low weight. Compared to alloys, carbon is lighter than steel, as much as 40%, and if compared with metals, then it is lighter than aluminum by 20%. That is why carbon is used in parts for racing cars, because when the weight is reduced, the strength remains the same.
His appearance... Carbon looks stylish, beautiful and prestigious, both in auto transport and in other various items.
Another important property of carbon is low deformation and low elasticity. Under load, carbon is destroyed without plastic deformation. This means that the carbon monocoque will protect the rider from the strongest impacts. But if it doesn’t stand it, it won’t bend, but break. Moreover, it will scatter into sharp pieces. * In general, you can even jump a little on it =) *
- The first drawback is that under the influence of the sun, carbon can change its hue.
The second - if any part covered with carbon is damaged, then it will not be possible to repair it, you will only have to replace it completely.
The third disadvantage is the cost of carbon fiber, because of this, not every amateur car will be able to use carbon when tuning.
Another disadvantage: when in contact with metals in salt water, CFRP causes severe corrosion and such contacts should be excluded. It is for this reason that carbon could not enter the world of water sports for so long (recently, they learned to bypass this shortcoming).
Well, let's continue))) of course it's all interesting, colorful and easy. It turns out that carbon cars are reality. Moreover, as I understand it, they are much lighter (which gives more chances of acceleration), much stronger (which gives more chances of survival), and insanely beautiful (carbon cars then). But there is a very small BUT: the cost of real carbon. Not everyone can afford to make such a car, but you really want to touch the world of something very sporty and colorful. Everything is decided - there is demand, there will be supply. And here's our answer to expensive carbon:
For the manufacture of carbon parts, both just carbon fiber with randomly arranged threads filling the entire volume of the material, and fabric (Carbon Fabric) are used. There are dozens of types of weaving. The most common are Plain, Twill, Satin. Sometimes weaving is conditional - a ribbon of longitudinally located fibers is "stuck" with rare transverse stitches only in order not to crumble.
The density of the fabric, or specific gravity, expressed in g / m2, in addition to the type of weaving, depends on the thickness of the fiber, which is determined by the number of carbons. This characteristic multiple of a thousand. So, the abbreviation 1K means a thousand strands in a fiber. Plain and Twill weaves with a density of 150–600 g / m2, with a fiber thickness of 1K, 2.5K, 3K, 6K, 12K and 24K are used most often in motorsport and tuning. 12K fabric is also widely used in military products (hulls and heads of ballistic missiles, rotor blades of helicopters and submarines, etc.), that is, where parts are subjected to colossal loads.
"Silver" or "aluminum" color is just paint or metallized coating on glass fabric. And it is inappropriate to call such material carbon - it is fiberglass. It is gratifying that new ideas continue to appear in this area, but glass cannot be compared with carbon carbon in terms of its characteristics. Colored fabrics are most often made of Kevlar. Although some manufacturers use fiberglass here as well; even dyed viscose and polyethylene are found. If you try to save money by replacing Kevlar with the aforementioned polymer threads, the bond of such a product with resins deteriorates. There can be no question of any durability of products with such fabrics.
But let's take a look at the latest and trendiest trend in the auto industry. Car bonding under carbon.
The material gained great popularity, since it could be put on the hood, trunk or a more complex shape, and the price of finished parts turned out to be 5-7 times cheaper than carbon fiber.
Initially, carbon film appeared in the form of solvent-based printing on polymer film. The production was done by redrawing the weaving pattern of the carbon itself, processing it in a graphics editor and plotting it on a plotter. The name of this material was given Carbon 2d, which means flat (in two planes). 
as you can see, "flat" carbon is quite uninteresting. This is the same as watching a movie in black and white with a fancy modern TV.
But after all, carbon under varnish looks much more voluminous and better, so the enthusiasts did not stop and a film was created in Japan that imitates the texture of carbon in three planes! That is, it was the textured film that was created, where the third plane became vertical, thereby completely copying the carbon. 
At the moment, there are a lot of different color options and 2d carbon and 3d. It all depends on our wishes and our financial capabilities. Everyone can touch the world of lightweight and durable material. Yes, let it be not real, but it will be beautiful. Although my opinion is to glue the carbon film like buying a fake branded thing. Yes, it looks beautiful, but it's not real. Although, again, the taste and color =)
Thanks to those who read to the end, tried to really make the lineup interesting and informative. Yes, I do not argue, there is a lot of copy-paste, but I see no reason to write the same thing in different words at the moment.
Sites used.
Lamborghini has unveiled the new supercar's carbon monocoque. Lamborghini unveils new supercar monocoque In just two weeks, Lamborghini intends to unveil the Murcielago's successor, the LP700-4 Aventador. It weighs just 147.5 kg and, according to Lamborghini, offers optimum safety and high torsional rigidity.
Lamborghini continues to reveal a little more secrets about its new LP700-4 Aventador supercar, which will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Engineers have shared information about a new composite monocoque that will form the core of the supercar. The entire structure is made of a durable composite material reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP - Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) strands, and is designed to maintain its shape under excessive loads and ensure the safety of passengers. It weighs only 147.5 kg, while the mass of the finished body without painting and primer is 229.5 kg. In addition, the car has a "phenomenal torsional rigidity of 35,000 Nm / deg".
The monocoque is built using three complementary manufacturing methods - Resin Transfer Molding, Prepreg and Braiding - and includes a complex epoxy resin structure reinforced with aluminum inserts. More importantly, the engineers were able to simplify the manufacturing process and achieve amazing assembly precision - the distance between the interacting elements is no more than 0.1 millimeter.
Recall that the LP700-4 supercar will receive a 6.5-liter V12 engine producing about 700 hp, mated to a lightning-fast 7-speed ISR gearbox. Thanks to her and electronic system permanent all-wheel drive Haldex car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.9 seconds and confidently reach speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.
For comparison:
Ford Focus 5d 17.900 N * m / deg.
Lambo Murcielago 20,000 N * m / deg.
Volkswagen Passat B6 / B7 - 32400 Nm / deg
Opel Insignia 20800 Nm / deg
VAZ-2109 - 7500 NM / Grad
VAZ-2108 - 8500 NM / Grad
VAZ-21099, 2105-07 - 5000 NM / Grad
VAZ-2104 - 4500 NM / Grad
VAZ-2106 (sedan) 6500 N * m / deg
VAZ-2110 - 12000 NM / Grad
VAZ-2112 (5-door hatchback) 8100 N * m / deg
Niva - 17000 Nm / Grad
Chevy Niva - 23000 NM / Grad
Moskvich 2141 - 10,000 NM / Grad
For modern foreign cars, the normal figure is 30,000 - 40,000 Nm / Grad for closed bodies, and 15,000-25,000 Nm / Grad for open bodies (roadsters).
Alfa 159 - 31.400Nm / degree
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 27,000 Nm / deg
Aston Martin DB9 Convertible 15,500 Nm / deg
Aston Martin Vanquish 28,500 Nm / deg
Audi TT Coupe 19,000 Nm / deg
Bugatti EB110 - 19,000 Nm / degree
BMW E36 Touring 10,900 Nm / deg
BMW E36 Z3 5,600 Nm / deg
BMW E46 Sedan (w / o folding seats) 18,000 Nm / deg
BMW E46 Sedan (w / folding seats) 13,000 Nm / deg
BMW E46 Wagon (w / folding seats) 14,000 Nm / deg
BMW E46 Coupe (w / folding seats) 12,500 Nm / deg
BMW E46 Convertible 10,500 Nm / deg
BMW X5 (2004) - 23,100 Nm / degree
BMW E90: 22,500 Nm / deg
BMW Z4 Coupe, 32,000Nm / degree
BMW Z4 Roadster: 14,500 Nm / deg
Bugatti Veyron - 60,000 Nm / degree
Chrysler Crossfire 20,140 Nm / deg
Chrysler Durango 6,800 Nm / deg
Chevrolet Corvette C5 9,100 Nm / deg
Dodge Viper Coupe 7,600 Nm / deg
Ferrari 360 Spider 8,500 Nm / deg
Ford GT: 27,100 Nm / deg
Ford GT40 MkI 17,000 Nm / deg
Ford Mustang 2003 16,000 Nm / deg
Ford Mustang 2005 21,000 Nm / deg
Ford Mustang Convertible (2003) 4,800 Nm / deg
Ford Mustang Convertible (2005) 9,500 Nm / deg
Jaguar X-Type Sedan 22,000 Nm / deg
Jaguar X-Type Estate 16,319 Nm / deg
Koenigsegg - 28.100 Nm / degree
Lotus Elan 7,900 Nm / deg
Lotus Elan GRP body 8,900 Nm / deg
Lotus Elise 10,000 Nm / deg
Lotus Elise 111s 11,000 Nm / deg
Lotus Esprit SE Turbo 5,850 Nm / deg
Maserati QP - 18.000 nm / degree
McLaren F1 13,500 Nm / deg
Mercedes SL - With top down 17,000 Nm / deg, with top up 21,000 Nm / deg
Mini (2003) 24,500 Nm / deg
Pagani Zonda C12 S 26,300 Nm / deg
Pagani Zonda F - 27,000 Nm / degree
Porsche 911 Turbo (2000) 13,500 Nm / deg
Porsche 959 12,900 Nm / deg
Porsche Carrera GT - 26,000Nm / degree
Rolls-Royce Phantom - 40,500 Nm / degree
Volvo S60 20,000 Nm / deg
Audi A2: 11,900 Nm / deg
Audi A8: 25,000 Nm / deg
Audi TT: 10,000 Nm / deg (22Hz)
Golf V GTI: 25,000 Nm / deg
Chevrolet Cobalt: 28 Hz
Ferrari 360: 1.474 kgm / degree (bending: 1.032 kg / mm)
Ferrari 355: 1,024 kgm / degree (bending: 727 kg / mm)
Ferrari 430: supposedly 20% higher than 360
Renault Sport Spider: 10,000 Nm / degree
Volvo S80: 18,600 Nm / deg
Koenigsegg CC-8: 28,100 Nm / deg
Porsche 911 Turbo 996: 27,000 Nm / deg
Porsche 911 Turbo 996 Convertible: 11,600 Nm / deg
Porsche 911 Carrera Type 997: 33,000 Nm / deg
Lotus Elise S2 Exige (2004): 10,500 Nm / deg
Volkswagen Fox: 17.941 Nm / deg
VW Phaeton - 37,000 Nm / degree
VW Passat (2006) - 32,400 Nm / degree
Ferrari F50: 34,600 Nm / deg
Lambo Gallardo: 23000 Nm / deg
Mazda Rx-8: 30,000 Nm / deg
Mazda Rx-7: ~ 15,000 Nm / deg
Mazda RX8 - 30,000 Nm / degree
Saab 9-3 Sportcombi - 21,000 Nm / degree
Opel Astra - 12,000 Nm / degree
Land rover Freelander 2 - 28,000 Nm / degree
Lamborghini Countach 2,600 Nm / deg
Ford Focus 3d 19.600 Nm / deg
Ford Focus 5d 17.900 Nm / deg
VAZ cars
VAZ-1111E Oka 3-door hatchback 7000
VAZ-21043 station wagon 6300
VAZ-2105 sedan 7300
VAZ-2106 sedan 6500
VAZ-2107 sedan 7200
VAZ-21083 3-door hatchback 8200
VAZ-21093 5-door hatchback 6800
VAZ-21099 sedan 5500
In the past, bicycle suspension was developed using a 2D kinematic model. Advanced Dynamics was developed in conjunction with CEIT (Guipuzcoa Studies and Technical Research Center) based on virtual simulation and off-road cycling simulation programs with active front and rear suspension. CEIT is a research and development center dedicated to the development and testing of the latest technologies commissioned by large industrial companies. Using this virtual analytics system, Orbea and CEIT were able to identify all the variables that affect the performance of the suspension on descents, ascents and different types relief. As a result, it was possible to identify 4 key elements around which the development of the new suspension was built: a suspension that not only makes the bike more comfortable, but also does not deprive it of dynamics, the most efficient use of the full suspension travel, specially tuned shock absorbers and sealed sealed bearings.
Many other constructors perform all calculations on paper or in a computer, but we have created your virtual clones. Our simulation programs allow you to recreate many different factors that affect the performance of the suspension: from the type of terrain, constitution and position of the rider while riding, to the distribution of loads on the pedals, saddle, handlebars, etc. Based on data from numerous studies, we've created a suspension that maximizes absorption of all types of shocks, minimizes bounce when pedaling, and maintains consistent wheel contact with the surface you are riding on, no matter the type of terrain.
Attraction technology adds to your ride the comfort that many cyclists dream of. It is responsible for neutralizing vibrations that occur during driving and optimizes the load on the wheels, improving pedaling efficiency. This technology also improves the bike's handling and traction, regardless of the type and weather conditions.
The redesigned Orca's fork and rear triangle have been redesigned to make the ride more comfortable and efficient. Attraction technology is responsible for dampening the impact of driving on uneven asphalt without sacrificing torsional rigidity of the frame, thereby increasing pedaling efficiency.
Helps to achieve unmatched distance results
Due to the special profile of the upper stays, the vibrations that occur during riding are not transmitted to the rider, but are damped without reaching him, transforming from longitudinal to minor lateral vibrations. Thus, we managed to create a bicycle for competitions of the highest level, which fully meets the requirements of athletes who experience the hardest physical activity during races:
- the level of vibrations transmitted to the rider while driving is reduced;
- improved grip of the bike with the road surface (as a result, the rider will be able to make more efficient accelerations and sprint jerks, and at the same time the bike will be better controlled);
- increased efficiency of power transmission to the rear wheel when pedaling;
Orbea carbon
The carbon that Orbea uses in production is a composite material consisting of carbon fibers with a high modulus of elasticity. We use it to create optimal frames in terms of rigidity, strength and vibration damping. it essential characteristics to create the perfect frame.
We have used all our accumulated experience and advanced technologies in order to develop three types of fibers: Gold, Silver, Bronze... They differ in physical properties and, as a result, in their preferred field of use. Therefore, all of our carbon frames are labeled as follows, depending on the type of fiber used:
OMG. Orbea Monocoque Gold
OMS. Orbea Monocoque Silver
OMB. Orbea Monocoque Bronze
One of the key differences between fiber types is the value of the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus). The higher the value of Young's modulus, the greater the rigidity of the structure and the lower its weight. Accordingly, each type of carbon fiber developed by us has a certain Young's modulus value: Gold - maximum value, Silver - high, Bronze - medium.
OMG. Orbea Monocoque Gold
OMG carbon is made up of fibers with the highest Young's modulus and has the best stiffness and weight. The use of such fibers, laid in certain layers, which in turn have gone through a multi-stage finite element analysis (FEA), allows us to create frames that have maximum rigidity with minimum weight. These frames are subsequently used in competitions of the highest level. We put cutting-edge technology into your hands.
OMS. Orbea Monocoque Silver
OMS carbon consists of fibers with a high modulus of elasticity. They give the frames sufficient rigidity, a high level of vibration damping and maximum pedaling efficiency over long distances. OMS carbon does not use a combination of fibers with the maximum Young's modulus and fibers that provide a high level of vibration damping.
OMB. Orbea Monocoque Bronze
OMB carbon offers you the optimal combination of fibers with a medium modulus of elasticity, yet elastic and durable. It is widely used in more affordable carbon frames. The higher density and compression resistance of Bronze fibers increases their vibration damping properties and durability. This is because Orbea engineers have always tried to exceed industry standards in their work. We strive to ensure that riders who discover Orbea carbon frames for the first time can get the most out of them and achieve outstanding performance and progress.
Monocoque technology
Orbea engineers have long understood that the monocoque is the only technology that can optimize the frame in terms of rigidity, durability and comfort. The video below shows how a traditional carbon frame degrades over time, while a monocoque frame remains as if it had just left the factory.
Monocoque technology also allows for more creative frame designs with good fatigue crack resistance. That is why we can provide a lifetime warranty on all our bikes: our frames are reliable and their performance does not change over time.
What makes Orbea's monocoque technology so special?
The overall strength and reliability of the structure is higher due to the optimal distribution of loads throughout the frame structure, the absence of welds and joints. This means that the frame will not let you down, regardless of the tests that the track prepares for it. Monocoque technology ensures perfect fiber bonding in composite materials, not only in the outer layers, but also in the inner ones, which prevents the formation of fatigue cracks at the joints of the frame elements. The latter problem is typical for frames manufactured using inexpensive and more traditional technology. Do you need any more arguments in favor of frames made with monocoque technology by Orbea? After all, we are dealing with a rigid and reliable frame, with decorative elements that will not flake and crack in high-loaded areas of the structure, with a frame that is a monolithic masterpiece of composite art, and not assembled from individual elements ... The choice is obvious.
UFO is a suspension system from another planet.
UFO is a carbon suspension system designed to take away the traditional pivot axles and everything related to them: nuts, bolts, bearings and finally the axles themselves. The result is a reduction in frame weight and suspension maintenance time, while improving overall rigidity and traction on technical terrain. Professional athletes need a lightweight yet optimally performing rear suspension: they are looking for the perfect balance. And UFO technology is ready to offer it to them: a suspension system that meets the most stringent weight requirements (frame with 1.95 kg shock absorber), easy to maintain and reliable.
UFO technology allows for greater grip and torsional rigidity on technical terrain with low weight and easy maintenance
Advantages
Oiz carbon Is a unique bike in its class, in which the system is used rear suspension without an axis of rotation. The perfect combination of rigidity and flexibility of carbon fiber results in a suspension that is resistant to lateral and torsional loads, which handles uneven terrain well throughout the entire 85 mm of shock travel.
As a result:
An innovative suspension system that provides confident control of the bike on descents, effective pedaling on climbs, more comfort and less fatigue for the rider during long stays in the saddle.
SSN technology
SSN (Size Specific Nerve) is more than just a technology, it is a way of organizing work throughout the bicycle manufacturing process. At first, this approach was used only for the development of models from the Orca line, but then we also began to use it for the Alma and Onix models.
Models from rulers are developed using SSN technology Orca, Alma, Onix and Opal
Formula for your needs
Each size of the bike is developed by us individually. Frame structure and stiffness are optimized relative to the rider's weight statistics at a given height. As a result, we get 5 (according to the number of sizes) individually designed and perfectly balanced frames.
AIZonE by Orbea
The AIZonE (Aerodynamic Investigation Zone) project was developed in conjunction with the San Diego Wind Tunnel (a wind tunnel located in the American city of San Diego) and allowed us to obtain many different data on the aerodynamics of bicycles and riders. This allowed us to improve the aerodynamic performance of the updated Orca model by 14%. We were able to reduce the force of the air drag, and the result was a more stable and well-controlled bike.
Improved handling and stability by reducing clearances between the frame and the moving parts of the bike
Closing gaps between the frame and moving parts of the bike (such as the wheels) is key to reducing turbulence. It occurs as a result of the fact that during movement, the incoming air flow presses unevenly on the surface of the frame, components and the rider, forming vortexes. These eddies hit the protruding parts of the bike, slowing down your forward movement.
Reducing the gaps between the tires and the frame surface minimizes the negative impact of the incoming air flow. We designed our bikes with this principle in mind, and in the end we managed to create some of the most stable and well-controlled bikes on the market.
More speed thanks to the teardrop shape of the seat tube and post, inherited by the Orca from Ordu bikes
Orbea engineers have identified two key metrics for creating a fast bike: frame rigidity and aerodynamics. Both of these characteristics are important in order to create not only a fast bike, but also the most efficient pedaling. The first sign of this paradigm was the Ordu model, but later it was applied to the development of other lines.
The water drop has a perfect aerodynamic shape, which we used to design the headset and seat tube on Ordu bikes. We used our research data to redesign the seat tube and post on the Orca to create the fastest bike in the peloton.
Reduction of resistance to the oncoming air flow (grams):
- rear triangle: 14g
- seatpost clamp: 17g
- steering column and fork: 15g
- seat tube and seat post: 10g
- down tube front triangle: 8 g
DCR technology
DCR is the route of cables and hydraulic lines along the shortest route.
We have created and patented an exclusive and much more efficient than existing analogs, hydraulic lines and cables routing system. The main principles in its development were simplicity and accuracy. We have made it so that the cables do not interfere with you while riding, placing them in special aerodynamic recesses on the sides of the upper (and on some models of the lower) tube.
Less service, more fun
- low maintenance system and more precise operation of brakes and switches;
- cable shirts are equipped with special plugs to prevent dirt from getting inside;
- GoreRideOn coating reduces friction, prolonging the life of shirts and cables.
Fewer shirts, which means:
- reducing the length of the cables;
- reducing the total weight of the bike;
- no scuffs on the frame.
What does Dama mean?
Dama stands for a special technological approach to the manufacture of frames for women's bicycles. Women are fundamentally different in physique from men, therefore bicycles should be special for them. First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that statistically, the weak half of humanity has longer legs and a shorter body than men.
We have changed the entire technological chain, from the selection of components and materials for the manufacture of frames and ending with the production process. Because the bike has to adapt to you, not the other way around.
Women have a special physique, so bicycles should also be special for them.
How is Orbea using data from multiple studies?
The dimensions of all pipes in the frames were reduced, with the exception of the steering one. And the angle of inclination and the location of the upper tube have been changed in such a way as to best match the features of the female anatomy. Orbea also uses specially designed components such as saddles and handlebars.
The saddles should be slightly shorter and wider than the male models, and the handlebars should be slightly narrower. Also, for tall representatives of the fairer sex, the size 46 was specially introduced. Previously, none of the manufacturers did this, and the riders had to spoil their fit and health by riding unsuitable bicycles. The introduction of technological solutions of the Dama series is another step towards meeting more complete satisfaction of all the wishes of cycling lovers.
Stefan Winkelmann, head of Lamborghini, shared: “ Transcendent maximum speed like the superpower of the engine are no longer our primary goals". These words were shocking at first. But then he quite clearly described the further priorities of the company headed by him: “ Record dynamics and phenomenal handling of supercars will not be affected by our new approach to design. Understand that 300 km / h maximum speed is already a generally accepted norm for any modern supercar, but where can it be achieved? Only on race tracks for a very short time. We will not continue to increase engine power for environmental reasons - Lamborghini, like all other cars, also needs to fit into the CO2 emission standards. But there is a way out - to achieve a record ratio of power and weight of the car. There is only one way - the large-scale use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Formula 1 race cars have long confirmed: better material that combines strength and lightness, we will not find».
This is how, at once bringing down the old values, Mr. Winckelmann led us to the main purpose of our visit to the Lamborghini. From now on, this company is the only automotive company in the world with a division for the development, testing and production of carbon fiber parts.
THE HAND OF WASHINGTON
Lamborghini would not have been able to cope with a project of this magnitude alone. Financially (and to some extent technologically) she was helped by Audi, the current full-fledged owner of the Italian firm within the Volkswagen concern. The Americans helped out with the selection of materials, technologies and computer simulation of crash tests of carbon elements for the new flagship - the 700-strong Aventador. Mostly the University of Washington, known for its research in this area. This establishment has considerable experience, mainly thanks to the joint work with Boeing, which is launching the production of the Dreamliner, the first passenger aircraft with a composite fuselage.
The aircraft manufacturers also shared their know-how with the Italians - a method for quickly determining the degree of damage and prompt repair of carbon fiber structures. After all, an aircraft with a problematic element often cannot be sent under its own power to the manufacturer. Boeing has created the Institute of Flying Doctors - qualified repairmen with "magic suitcases", which have everything you need to study the nature of damage and repair it. Similar guys will fly to unlucky Lamborghini clients. To reduce the time of arrival, three points of deployment of carbon doctors were organized - in Italy, the USA and Australia.
At the same time, the University of Washington took over the promising development of carbon fiber technologies. And he married Lamborghini to another very unusual partner - Calloway, the world leader in golf accessories. It makes carbon fiber golf clubs by hot stamping using carbon fiber blanks with very short threads - from 2.5 to 5 cm.But thanks to their high density (more than 200 thousand fibers per square centimeter), the tips of the golf clubs are extremely durable.
Lamborghini has already tested this technology on the body and suspension elements of the Sesto Elemento concept car. It turned out well, but serial production must be preceded by serious tests. A supercar is not a golf club, even a super-tech one.
AND WE FAST ON A SLOW FIRE
What technologies are already being used to create Aventador? Three largely different methods are now in use.
The first begins with the formation of future elements by stamping. Carbon fiber blanks are shaped like ordinary sheet metal, and then placed in special conductors, where, under the control of laser meters, they are joined together, with tolerances not exceeding 0.1 mm.
Further, a polymer resin is injected between the elements under low pressure. The process ends with sintering in a thermal chamber. There is a minimum of manual labor in this process - most of the operations are assigned to automation. Expensive autoclaves are also not needed - there is no need to maintain a certain pressure.
The next method is, in fact, a variation of the previous one. The only difference is that here the layers of carbon fiber intersect with each other - this is how the most critical power parts are formed, for example, struts and body reinforcements.
A radically different method is needed to make parts with a perfect outer surface. In this case, cooled carbon fiber preforms are used with a pre-injected heat-sensitive resin that reacts when the temperature rises. Such elements are laminated with a film after manual surface molding in a matrix. After that, vacuum devices remove the smallest air bubbles from under the film, leaving a perfectly flat surface. The elements are then placed for final curing in an autoclave, where they are heat treated for two to five hours.
This is how, step by step, the monocoque elements of a new automotive legend are born. Moving from line to line, they are overgrown with new details, reinforced in critical places with epoxy foam, which, filling the voids, also serves as noise insulation; they are implanted with mating aluminum parts for attaching the front and rear subframes. It is interesting that already made elements often serve as an initial matrix for subsequent ones. They are even baked together - this significantly reduces the time and cost of intermediate operations. The climax is the connection of the lower base of the load-bearing structure to the roof. The result is a carbon monocoque weighing only 147.5 kg. The aluminum frame with carbon fiber elements "Murcielago" weighed 30% more - with a half times less rigidity.
By the way, the predecessors of "Aventador" made 4099 pieces in nine years. The circulation of the novelty is supposed to be at the same level, that is, 400-500 copies per year. This is a breakthrough for a design with such massive use of carbon fiber. For example, the British "McLaren F1" 1992, the first-born of the serial use of the carbon structure of the body, saw the light of day in only 106 copies. But it also cost much more than the current flagship "Lamborghini". After all, then carbon fiber was considered for road car incredible, transcendental exoticism - today it is still expensive, but it is already becoming commonplace.
HISTORICAL FACT - A SPELL OF SILENCE
Lamborghini does not particularly talk about this, but the fact is that a quarter of a century ago this Italian company already had a laboratory for the development and implementation of composite materials. It was headed by none other than the Argentinean Horatio Pagani, who later created the Zonda supercar. Appearing in 1999, the car impressed with the massive use of carbon fiber, including the load-bearing body base - something that appeared on the "Aventador" only 12 years later. Apparently, the successes of the former employee force the Lamborghini management to keep silent about this fact, although the production of Pagani is no more than 20 units a year and they are not an obvious competitor to Aventador.
But in "Lamborghini" do not get tired of repeating that their first car with an all-carbon monocoque appeared in 1985. Again, no mention is made of Pagani, the main initiator of the Counter Evolution project. It was made only in one copy, but, in addition to the carrying carbon monocoque, that car received carbon fiber stretchers for fastening power unit and pendants. The boot lid, bonnet, wheel arch extensions, rims and front spoiler were also made of forward-looking material. The car has lost about 500 kg in comparison with the serial one - a huge achievement for a supercar. With a power of 490 forces, the car had phenomenal dynamics - it accelerated to a hundred in less than 4 seconds, and the maximum speed was 330 km / h - the serial Murcielago achieved similar results only 15 years later.
