1653. Marine Applications of Composite Materials

Paper

Abstract

Composite materials have been gaining increasing popularity in all fields of engineering design. Although the marine field has been slower in accepting these materials, their use is now becoming more prevalent in this field. The small boat field has seen the greatest use of these materials and now larger vessels are following suit.
The purpose of this paper is to provide general information about specific materials which have applications in the marine field to naval architects and marine engineers who have had little exposure to these relatively new materials. The properties of the various constituents are described as well as discussions of the various fabrication techniques which can be used. This discussion is limited to those materials used in the marine industry, which are glass, KEVLAR and other aramids, and graphite. An emphasis is placed on the weight savings characteristics of these materials, since the primary reason for their use is to save weight.
The specific applications of these composite materials in the small boat applications are discussed. Current trends in hull design and construction are discussed as well as other developments in the construction of spars and bulkheads. The discussion of the applications for larger vessels is far ranging, from current proven applications to potential hypothetical applications. These potential applications are discussed only from the standpoint of first principles. There has been little or no hard engineering done in any of these areas. It is intended for these discussions to highlight potential applications which should be examined and developed further.