Composites

The composites System is responsible for the design, integration, and manufacturing of all composite components on LHR’s Combustion vehicle, with a focus on body panels and aerodynamic structures. Leveraging the high strength-to-weight ratio of materials like carbon fiber, composites plays a critical role in reducing vehicle weight while enhancing performance.

The system is divided into two sub-systems: aerostructures and systems integration.

The aerostructures team collaborates closely with the Aerodynamics system to design, simulate, and manufacture components that directly interact with airflow, including wings, undertrays, and bodywork.

The materials integration team works with systems such as body and dynamics to integrate carbon fiber into other components such as the steering wheel, control arms, or dashboard in order to reduce weight.

In addition to design and integration, the composites team focuses heavily on research and development, experimenting with various materials including Kevlar, 3D-printed PLA, and Carbon-Nylon to expand manufacturing capabilities. The team also develops and refines layup techniques, mold design, and curing workflows to improve the strength, quality, and repeatability of composite parts.

Through simulation-driven design, rigorous validation, and hands-on fabrication, composites aims to deliver the lightest, strongest, and most innovative vehicle structures on the team.