FACE THE CHANGE MATRIX Finally, the filament yarns are embedded in a polymer matrix, usually epoxy resin. This binds the fibers and fills the spaces, as well as preventing the fibers from buckling when exposed to load. To achieve this, the matrix must bond with the fibers. Explore New Ways INSTALLATION The Volkswagen Group currently uses carbon fiber almost exclusively in super sports cars. Practically the entire monocoque of the Bugatti Chiron consists of carbon fiber components, and the material is also used for some parts of the powertrain and the outer shell (hood, fenders, roof, and so on). The characteristic fineweave appearance of the exposed carbon fiber features only becomes visible close up. “We will probably soon be seeing CFRP in the form of organic sheets and pultruded profiles in a Volkswagen e-Golf⁴ or other Group models,” Bugatti engineer Götzke says. For large components in particular – doors, roofs, hoods or battery boxes – carbon fiber could turn out to be a crucial factor in extending the all-important range of Volkswagen’s e-fleet without having any major impact on vehicle weight. That is one of the reasons why brands such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Ducati are currently investing more know-how and financial resources than ever before in research cooperations – such as the collaboration between the University of Washington (Seattle), Lamborghini and Boeing at the Advanced Composite Structures Labora - tory in Seattle. Or the cooperation between the Massa chusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Lamborghini to create the visionary Terzo Millennio sports car. The chassis of this future concept has nanotubes sandwiched between carbon fiber layers to store electric energy. What’s more, a monitoring system has the ability to detect even the tiniest cracks in the bodywork and initiate chemical repair processes. Carbon fiber has always been ultralight and extremely robust, and now it is smart and can even function as a battery, too – so the material has a bright future in automobile construction. There is also a positive side effect, because other sectors also benefit from the knowledge of the Volkswagen R&D specialists. Take medical technology. For many years, Lamborghini has been giving several clinics in Northern Italy access to its know-how, helping to develop innovative prostheses and implants that are lighter, more compatible and more durable than those currently available. Most recently, Lamborghini announced it is collaborating with the Texas-based Houston Methodist Research Institute, while Bugatti is cooperating with Hannover Medical School. The common goal is to put carbon fiber and nanotechnology to use in biomedicine. Seen from a medium-term perspective, then, carbon fiber research will not only make cars lighter, but also make life easier for upper and lower limb amputees. 1 Bugatti Chiron: fuel consumption, l/100 km: combined 22.5; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 516; efficiency class: G 2 Lamborghini Aventador: fuel consumption, l/100 km: combined 16.9; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 394; efficiency class: G 3 Lamborghini Centenario: fuel consumption, l/100 km: combined 16.0; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 370; efficiency class: G 4 Volkswagen e-Golf: power consumption in kWh/100 km: combined: 12.7; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 0; efficiency class: A+ 77
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