ENGINEERING / COMPOSITE & MODEL SHOPS The engineering design department has engineers and draftsmen using Unigraphics CADVI5 running on HP Unix work stations. Unigraphics is used for designing and modeling of components from fabrications, machined parts, structural and non-structural composite parts, to the complex 3D surfaces required for the aerodynamic loft. Component structural analysis is carried out using ANSYS Finite Element Analysis software. Kinematic and Dynamic modeling utilize Adams software from Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. The engineering staff collectively has many years experience in top level motorsports, and is capable of producing high quality designs and engineering solutions. With so much of a modern racecar being constructed of composite materials it is inevitable that an up to date constructor has to have good capabilities in this technology. To that end, AAR has invested considerable resources to this area over a number of years. The equipment includes a large autoclave, curing ovens, storage freezers and material cutting equipment as well as a large quantity of workshop machines and dust extraction. Additionally, the personnel includes the most versatile and multi-skilled composite workers available. The Department has a laminating cleanroom and temperature/humidity controlled bonding area of over 3,000 ft2 and is accommodated within a total floor space of 5,700 ft2. The computer-controlled autoclave is a nitrogen purged vessel capable of running at temperatures of up to 800F at a pressure of 200p.s.i. and has an internal envelope of 9’6" by 18’. This gives AAR the capability of processing components of large size with almost every composite material available. The 24’ by 5’ computerized prepreg cutting machine provides huge benefits in terms of time and material savings as well as giving the added benefits of manufacturing quality, consistency and shorter response times. The Department has a long experience of producing high quality composite parts in a wide range of resins, fiber types and material forms. This, together with an extensive knowledge of various tooling methods and materials, and quick response capability, amounts to an AAR advantage. The team produces a wide variety of parts each of which have their own particular requirements -- crashworthiness, energy absorption, strength, stiffness or high service temperature, and light weight.