Progressive Failure of Marine GFRP Laminated Plates Under Static Water Pressure

Abstract

This study examines the progressive failure of marine glass fiberreinforced plastic (GFRP) laminates subjected to out-of-plane water pressure. First, experimental data concerning laminates that consist of a single type of fiber are used to establish the finite element model by separating the section into fiber layers and matrix layers. After a suitable failure criterion has been specified and the stiffness modification factor of different materials obtained experimentally, a numerical model is used to simulate the failure behavior of marine GFRP laminates. This numerical model is then applied to analyze the failure of GFRP ship bottom structures under water pressure. The water pressure failure experiment is designed to verify the numerical results. The experimental system includes a watertight cabin, which comprises the wall of the fixture, the specimen, and a movable piston, filled with water. Then, the water pressure is increased by moving the piston to compress the water-sealed zone, until the specimen reaches ultimate failure. After the numerical model has been validated, the abilities of testing and analyzing the failure behavior of laminates under static water pressure are established. More information is presented about the capacity to resist out-of-plane water pressure, the proper use of the material, and improving the efficiency of the design.