Stress Field Evolution under Mechanically Simulated Hull Slamming Conditions

Abstract

The effect of repeated loading from mechanically simulated hull slamming on foam core sandwich composites was investigated utilizing a novel technique that simultaneously measured temperature and displacement while cyclic loading occurred. Thermoelastic Stress Analysis (TSA) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques were combined using a single infrared camera for characterization of the foam core. Improved stress fields with TSA results were found through deformation compensation. Initial work approximating hull slamming conditions mechanically utilizing a custom device were performed. Mechanically loading offers several benefits over water impact investigations, including easy access to the sample during the slamming event, an unobstructed optical path, and accelerated testing. Evolving stress fields under long-duration, repeated simulated hull slamming loading were observed around a growing delamination crack between the foam core and skin.