G. Savage/ Engineering Failure Analysis 17(2010)92-115 Fig. 11. Rear wing, loaded in bending Fig. 12. Prepreg. m stiffness Strength 1.06 Fig. 13. Optimising strength and stiffness using"sandwich structures Prepreg is a broad tape of aligned(unidirectional, UD")or woven fibres, impregnated with polymer resin. A composite structure is fabricated by stacking successive layers of prepreg and curing under temperature and pressure. Many compo- nents consist of"sandwich construction"; thin, high strength composite skins are separated by and bonded to thick, light weight honeycomb cores. The thicker the core, the higher the stiffness and strength of the component, for minimal weight gain( Fig. 13). 3. Development of composite structures in Formula 1 racing The first documented uses of composite construction in racing cars date back to the late 1920s and early 1930s in the orm of wood and steel chassis. These early vehicles tended to be home built and raced so there is very little documentedPrepreg is a broad tape of aligned (unidirectional, ‘‘UD”) or woven fibres, impregnated with polymer resin. A composite structure is fabricated by stacking successive layers of prepreg and curing under temperature and pressure. Many compo￾nents consist of ‘‘sandwich construction”; thin, high strength composite skins are separated by, and bonded to, thick, light￾weight honeycomb cores. The thicker the core, the higher the stiffness and strength of the component, for minimal weight gain (Fig. 13). 3. Development of composite structures in Formula 1 racing The first documented uses of composite construction in racing cars date back to the late 1920s and early 1930s in the form of wood and steel chassis. These early vehicles tended to be home built and raced so there is very little documented Fig. 11. Rear wing, loaded in bending. Fig. 12. Prepreg. Fig. 13. Optimising strength and stiffness using ‘‘sandwich structures”. 98 G. Savage / Engineering Failure Analysis 17 (2010) 92–115