ASSESSMENT OF LONG TERM EFFECTS OF SLAMMING LOADS ON FRP SANDWICH PANELS

High speed craft are subjected to repeated dynamic loads caused by slamming. Some rescue vessels having sandwich hulls with GRP laminates and foamed polymer cores have experienced damage that is believed to have been caused by extreme and/or repeated slamming loads exceeding the design load levels. The mode or failure has been predominantly shear cracking of the core followed by delamination. As part of the NTNF Fast Craft Programme, a laboratory test procedure has been developed to simulate single and repeated slamming loads on sandwich panels. This procedure is based on four-point bending of various sandwich beam specimens. Experimental results are presented on the shear properties of sandwich beams subjected to simulated slamming loads. Particular attention is paid to the influence of adhesive joints within the core. A range of core/adhesive combinations is considered. In the case of beams having adhesive joints in the core, the experimental work is supplemented by evaluation of stresses in the core and adhesive using finite element analyses. By this means the influence of the adhesive's mechanical properties on crack initiation is studied. A possible basis for minimising the effect of adhesive joints on static and fatigue performance is thereby established. The experimental test procedure combined with finite element analyses provide a basis for assessing the long-term effects of repeated slamming loads on sandwich panels.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • FAST '91, 1st Intl Conf on Fast Sea Transportation; 17-21 June 1991; Trondheim, Norway. Procs. Publ by Tapir Publishers, Trondheim, v 1, p 365 [15 p, 4 ref, 1 tab, 12 fig]
• Authors:
  • Buene, L
  • Echtermeyer, A T
• Publication Date: 1991

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamic loads; Fatigue tests; Sandwich construction; Slamming
• Uncontrolled Terms: High speed vessels
• Subject Areas: Construction; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00701744
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM