Composite components now account for up to 85% of today?s Formula 1 cars, but only roughly 20% of the weight. But what are composites and how are they used in motorsport"
CREDIT: Tencate

1.0 Composites
Composites are made from combining two or more very different materials together to create a composite with optimised properties. Usually these two materials are a polymer matrix and a reinforcing agent such as a fibre.
Combining fibres with a resin forms a composite with optimised properties. CREDIT: SP Systems
Fibres carry load along their length, providing strength and stiffness in one direction and are arguably the strongest of all available structural materials. However, when subjected to compression and bending loads, the fibres become very weak. This is why fibres are embedded in a polymer matrix such as a cured resin. Not only does this resin act as an adhesive, binding the fibres together, but it supports the fibres, allowing them to absorb higher compressive loads. The resin also allows the transfer of shear stresses between the fibres, allowing them to work together. This means that external loads are more evenly distributed across the fibres in a composite when compared to a dry bundle. So, if one were to break, the load can still be distributed over the other fibres.
2.0 Types of Fibre
2.1 Carbon Fibre
Carbon fibre has been regularly utilised in motorsport since the 1970s and is around five times stronger than steel wit...