Compressive model and numerical simulation analysis of a low-weight and high-strength structure combined with a buoyancy material and FRP

Abstract

ABSTRACT The requirements of low weight and high strength are often contradictory in the design and production of manned/unmanned submersibles. In this paper, a novel structure that combines fiber-reinforced composites and buoyancy materials was proposed to solve this contradiction. These two materials in this structure can cooperate and obtain good compressive properties and low densities. A theoretical model of the compressive strength of this combined structure is proposed. Compression experiments were carried out on six groups of samples. The experimental results show that the compressive capacity of the combined structure is greater than the sum of the compressive capacity of buoyancy material and FRP pipe. The stress distribution of the combined structure under uniaxial pressure is simulated through a finite element model. The numerical simulation results and theoretical predictions show good agreement with the experimental data.