Resistance calculation of a composite material structure for leisure crafts using finite element method

Abstract

A naval architect is choosing the material taking into account various factors, some of them being the dimensions, weight, area of navigation, costs and impact strength. For leisure craft vessels, materials which are made of are mainly fibre reinforced composite materials. The composites show many advantages, being light, resistant to corrosion, resistant to impact, capable of vibration reduction and of course, it is very easy to use them in the construction process, to maintain and to repair. There are numerous general use programs which include finite element intended for calculation of the structures of which a composite is made of. Elements of the analysed structure are linear if they do not admit yielding of the layers and nonlinear if they admit yielding of the layers. Using finite element analysis, it was modelled and calculated the structure resistance of a power driven leisure craft with a length less than 24 m and will be compared with the “DNV GL Rules for Classification: High Speed and Light Craft” in force since 1 July 2016. Based on the mentioned rules, there were calculated the design loads, pressures and forces. It is noticed that the results achieved using finite element analysis are within DNV GL limits.