Abstract

his paper proposes a new vibration-based structural health monitoring method for the identification of delamination defects in composite bulkheads used in small-length fiber-based ships. The core of this work is to find out if the variations of vibration energy can be efficiently used as a key performance indicator for the detection and quantification of delamination defects in marine composite bulkheads. For this purpose, the changes of vibrational energy exerted by delamination defects in sandwich and monolithic composite panel bulkheads with different types of delamination phenomenon are investigated using a non-destructive test. Experiments show that the overall vibration energy of the bulkheads is directly dependent on the damage conditions of the specimens and therefore, the variations of this parameter are a good indicator of the incorporation of delamination defects in composite bulkheads. Additionally, the overall vibration energy changes also give interesting information about the severity of the delamination defect in the panels. Hence, this methodology based on vibratory energy can be used to accurately determine delamination defects in medium-sized composite bulkheads with the advantages of being a simple and cost-effective approach. The findings of this research possess important applications for the identification of delamination failures in composite components such as bulkheads, turbine blades, and aircraft structures, among others.

Abstract

Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials are widely used in the construction of small-length vessels due to their light weight and high strength to weight ratio. However, the use of FRP materials in vessels above 50 m length is only allowed to secondary structural elements of the vessel. Hence, it is necessary to promote the creation of new regulatory frameworks to permit the construction of large-length vessels using composite laminates in all parts of the vessel structure to enable the development of this interesting technology for the reduction of weight. FIBRESHIP proposes to create a new market focused on the construction of large-length vessels based uniquely on lightweight composites. The results of this project are attracting considerable interest within the shipping industry as the extensive use of FRP materials in large-length vessels induces an important reduction of the weight with respect to the conventional steel ships. This significant weight reduction decreases the vessel bunkering consumption, increases the payload cargo capacity, and avoids the corrosion phenomena in the vessel among other identified benefits.

Abstract

The main objective of the FIBRESHIP project is to enable the building of the complete hull and superstructure of large-length seagoing and inland ships in FRP materials by overcoming few technical challenges. In order to achieve this objective, the project will develop, qualify and audit innovative FRP materials for marine applications, elaborate new design and production guidelines and procedures, generate efficient production and inspection methodologies, and develop new validated software analysis tools. Clear performance indicators will be designed and applied in the evaluation of the different solutions developed for three targeted vessels categories. Finally, the different technologies generated in FIBRESHIP will be first validated and then demonstrated by using advanced simulation techniques and experimental testing on real-scale structures. This paper is dealing with the presentation of the project scope and progress of the FIBRESHIP project over the first six months.

Abstract

FIBRESHIP (H2020, Grant 723360) is an ambitious innovation project funded by the European Commission, which is participated by 18 European partners led by the Spanish company TSI. The main objective of FIBRESHIP is to overcome the great technical challenge of replacing the metallic materials currently used for the construction of large-lenght vessels for composite materials. To carry out this task, this project is addressed from different points of view: i) shipping market and bussiness analysis of composite vessels, ii) analysis and numerical modeling of the materials selected, iii) development of the structural design using a finite element analysis software, and, iv) analysis of the construction and assembly procedures, structural health monitoring techniques, and ship life cycle. The study and implementation of this technology for the construction of large-length composite vessels is carried out through the design of three types of vessels over 50 meters, which are considered as the most promising in the market: a container ship of 245 meters length, a ROPAX of 185 meters and a special service oceanographic vessel of 80 meters. In addition, specific numerical models are being developed and validated through experimental testing campaigns. Eventually, different structural health monitoring strategies and production models adapted to this technology.