- #1
nickcc
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I'm developing a range of carbon fiber cases for guitars, violins and laptops.
The cases have a suspension system of high density closed cell foam pads which hold the instrument where it is strongest eg base of the body, where the neck joins the body.
It has been suggested that it would be better if the pads had a top layer of of 1/2" of soft foam which could more easily distort and in the event of the case being droppped ie creating a crumple zone.
I would like to better understand the physical laws which apply in the event of the case being dropped.
I understand that the kinetic energy of the case is calculated from the formula E = (1/2) mass × speed2. This would seem to suggest that the lightness of carbon fiber will gives an advantage over heavier materials as less energy build up during a fall - is this so?
And the guitar being lighter than the case will have much less kinetic energy to dissapate...so will a 1/2" layer of soft foam be of any value as a crumple zone?
I wonder if to be effective a 1/2" layer would have to be very soft - so soft that it would not hold the instrument securely enough in normal use.
I would be most grateful for any comments that would help my understanding of the physics so I can make an informed decision on the design.
Nick
The cases have a suspension system of high density closed cell foam pads which hold the instrument where it is strongest eg base of the body, where the neck joins the body.
It has been suggested that it would be better if the pads had a top layer of of 1/2" of soft foam which could more easily distort and in the event of the case being droppped ie creating a crumple zone.
I would like to better understand the physical laws which apply in the event of the case being dropped.
I understand that the kinetic energy of the case is calculated from the formula E = (1/2) mass × speed2. This would seem to suggest that the lightness of carbon fiber will gives an advantage over heavier materials as less energy build up during a fall - is this so?
And the guitar being lighter than the case will have much less kinetic energy to dissapate...so will a 1/2" layer of soft foam be of any value as a crumple zone?
I wonder if to be effective a 1/2" layer would have to be very soft - so soft that it would not hold the instrument securely enough in normal use.
I would be most grateful for any comments that would help my understanding of the physics so I can make an informed decision on the design.
Nick