I have been given the assignment of developing several lessons about polymers for student in grades 6-8. I Would like to incorporate racing and performance concepts with polymers. Thus far I have a developed a HANDS ON LAB to show why drag racers do a burn out. Do you guys have any other ideas/concepts of how to develop lessons about polymers and performance
Well many newer intake manifolds are polymers (mostly thermoset plastics, I think I heard of Polysulfone?), valvecovers, these new "motor covers" that kinda shroud over the whole top of the motor (ABS I think). There are also polymeric thin-film coatings that can be applied. Plastic radiator tanks, gas tanks, etc., are all used to save weight and/or reduce manufacturing cost. Driveshafts can be made from carbon fiber. And don't forget about light weight body panels used on newer cars (like saturns), also ABS. And just about every car bumper is ABS now. Poly vinyl buteral (sp?) is used between two layers of glass to make "safety glass"- smashing an old windshield would be an eye-catching demonstration (put a pane of window glass next to a car windshield, hit each of them with a baseball bat). Polycarbonate (i.e. Lexan) windows in the racecars. Helmets are usually also made from some plastic or combination (I think a polyurethane foam for the padding, and Kevlar for the structural part). PolyTetraFluoroEthylene is sometimes added to oil (i.e. Slick 50), although personally I question it's true value. Plastic films are put inside door panels to decrease noise. Motor mounts and body bushings etc., are made from rubber, or polyurethane for high performance. Automotive carpeting is frequently made from polypropylene fibers, sometimes with a polypropylene backing. I think Kevlar is also used in some transmission clutches. I don't know what forum you'll be teaching in, but hopefully some of the above ideas will help! -Bob Cunningham bobc@gnttype.org
Thank You You have given me some great ideas. I will explain more latter on. Do see this could lead a unit called the "Science of Racing"
Science class Dave, We have a friend and local Buick nut (70 GS455 conv & 70 GS455 coupe) that lives just down the street . His name is Lon Bauer and he is a chemical engineer. He deals alot with polymers in his job so he might be able to help with the lesson plan. Send me an email or pm and I will get you in touch with him or he might chime in if he see's this thread. I met you at Dragway 42 some weeks past. Phil Sedlon and I were there trying to get his car into the 11's. Have you been working on the Skylark?
