A multiple-piece backing plate and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The multiple-piece backing plate includes a cap part and a main body backing plate. The cap part is formed of a first material. The main body backing plate is attached to the cap part, and the main body backing plate is formed of a second material, where the second material is different than the first material. The friction clutch assembly includes first clutch plates coupled to a first transmission member and second clutch plates interleaved with the first clutch plates and coupled to a second transmission member. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second transmission members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates directly against the cap part.

Systems and methods for infiltrating a fibrous preform in the in-plane direction and forming composite components are provided. A system for infiltrating a fibrous preform may include a slurry reservoir defining a cavity configured to receive a fibrous preform. The cavity may be configured such that an internal surface of the slurry reservoir is spaced apart from an outer diameter of the fibrous preform. A slurry inlet may be formed in the slurry reservoir. The slurry inlet and the cavity may be configured such that a slurry input into the cavity infiltrates the fibrous preform in an in-plane direction.