Framebuilders - Carbon Cracked?

Hey Framebuilders - Genius here drove his Cervelo R3 SL into garage - impact was on the the top tube about mid tube. The rubber weather seal on the bottom of the door is what hit the tube. The plastic Thule Peleton heads (on both sides) snapped instantly. There are no visible cracks in the tube - just some paint damage. I plinked the tube by flicking it with my finger - it sounds just like the rest of the frame. No dead noise, just same sharp plink. I have ridden it a half a dozen times. Feels normal. Nothing weird except my confidence. All that being said, a fdw ?'s for you experts: 1) is there a more sophisticated way to test it? 2) is it something I can have done? 3) should I abandon ship? Thanx!

Seems reasonable to keep riding it. Just watch the area for crack formation.

I think it would have went by know. Carbon either works or it don't. No wiggle room.

A good test is to do a rapid coin tap on the tube. Use careful methodology and move the coin about 1/2 its thickness per tap. I generally use a nickel. Work your way down the tube in a logical pattern.

With experience, you will be able to detect delamination and internal unseen flaws. You might even find some small air pockets that were there from manufacture.

If you find defects, they clearly show up as a different sound. Make sure to "map" the areas of different sound. You may find that the flaw follows a pattern, such as an existing seam or joint. Or it may be damage. It's generally not too hard to tell.

I am involved in the repair of a carbon aircraft engine cowling right now. The damaged section is hidden by paint, however the damage clearly makes a circle (from stress). This is common from impact damage. Stress overload may form a longer, straight crack that follows one layer of layup.

Good luck.

Chris

All carbon isn't made the same.

I think it would have went by know. Carbon either works or it don't. No wiggle room.

No doubt about it, Carbon Fiber has a tendency to yeild suddenly. Just like the Airbus tail that came off in NY shortly after Sep 11.

However, there are many types of damage, from simple overload (where one might expect a sudden failure) to impact damage, shear loading, bending, twisting and of course localized loading. Each form of load creates a different damage result. Even sunlight on the epoxy can create damage.

I take care of a corporate jet with CF flight controls and fairings. Hail goes right through the elevators! However, it barely dents the aluminum. Ask me how I know:) EEEEEE,expensive!

Chris