Posted by Carbon - nice, Fibreglass - yuck on December 13, 2001 at 02:35:24:
In Reply to: Carbon Fiber Bell posted by Jon on December 12, 2001 at 18:12:02:
Can someone please explain the acoustical differences between a carbon fibre and a fibreglass bell? Both are a composite material, from which i understand is acousticaly bad as the sound waves do not reflect evenly off the material. here are some facts:
Carbon is around 4 times stiffer per weight than glass
Carbon has better tensile strength per weight
Carbon and woven fibre glass can be laid up in exactly the same way
Carbon is around 4 times the price of fibreglass.
I'm sure a fibreglass bell could be made that was only very slightly heavier than a carbon bell
I'm thinking that people are getting a little carried away with the idea of having a 'high tech' looking tuba.
If you need a lightweight bell why not make or get made a woven fibreglass one?
Rob "just finished building a Formula SAE racecar" Suttie