Layup materials?

[Jvb]

Does anyone know what the advantages/disadvantages would be to using carbon or kevlar instad of normal cloth when laying up a model? I'd imagine lightness and stiffness would be two advantages of these materials, but I've also heard that carbon boats can have issues with interference (or maybe just hollow molded planes, but I'm sure the same principles would apply). Does the carbon dust become a carcinogen if you sand/cut the cloth? Is their extra cost justified? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jorgen

[AndyKunz]

Carbon is very useful as an addition to other building materials. If you don't go this route you end up with a very expensive item which may not have any significant advantages over the alternatives (other than marketing hype).

Yes, there can be problems with conduction. You can also use this to your advantage if you do things right.

I use carbon to tighten up portions of the structure where strains are high ie, a graphite thread on the LE of a wing, on the outside edges of a wing spar, to tie the motor mount to the hull, or to beef up the sponson/hull interface.

Andy