Output details

Natural fibre composite energy absorption structures

This research showed highly demanding engineering applications could be satisfied through low embodied energy and renewable material sources as alternatives to carbon fibre. Materials were incorporated into aerodynamic and crash areas of the WorldF3rst racing demonstrator (named in Time Magazine’s Top 50 Inventions 2009) and subsequently industrially exploited in the louvre and balance panel on the Lola-Drayson LMP racing platform (Angus.lyon@draysonracing.com). Aside from reductions in environmental impacts, the developed system affords significant material cost reduction (~50%) compared to carbon fibre, whilst maintaining compatibility with existing processing methods. It is being evaluated by Lola-Drayson for the proposed Formula E racing series.