ORCID
- Jasper Graham-Jones: 0000-0003-3081-7049
- John Summerscales: 0000-0002-3557-0404
- Badr Moutik: 0000-0002-6785-1518
Abstract
Current Applications: FRP composites are extensively used in small vessels due to advantages like ease of manufacture, high stiffness, buckling resistance, corrosion resistance, and underwater shock resistance.Wind turbine blades (over 100 m long) also utilize FRP composites effectively.Challenges for Large Ships:While ships over 100 m are traditionally built with steel or aluminum, FRP composites face technical and economic hurdles for vessels of this scale.Key barriers include the need for advancements in design codes, manufacturing techniques, safety measures, and lifecycle considerations.Potential Benefits:Preliminary studies indicate FRP-based ships could achieve:30% reduction in structural weight.7–21% reduction in full load displacement.15% cost savings compared to traditional materials.Future Innovations:Materials like carbon-fiber composite skins, sandwich structures, and aramid fibers with modified epoxy resins could enhance mechanical performance and manufacturing feasibility.Projection:Based on current trends, the first 100 m FRP composite ship is anticipated to launch around 2042.Conclusion: While FRP composites offer significant advantages for large ships, overcoming current technical, economic, and regulatory challenges is essential to realize their full potential in this domain.
Publication Date
2024-11-28
Keywords
COMPOSITE MANUFACTURE, Composite materials, Composite Lifecycle Assessment, manufacturing, Failure mechanism, fire damage
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Graham-Jones, J., Summerscales, J., & Moutik, B. (2024) 'Is a 100 m composite ship possible? what are the critical issues?: Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in large marine structures.', Retrieved from https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/secam-research/2055
