ARE COMPOSITES SUITABLE FOR REINFORCEMENT OF SHIP STRUCTURES?

SUMMARY: The application of two large-scale, carbon fibre composite reinforcements, adhesively bonded to an area of a naval frigate prone to serious fatigue cracking, is described. The effectiveness of the demonstrator reinforcements in reducing cyclic stresses was monitored by strain gauge experiments conducted before and after installation. Service durability over a six-year period is evaluated. During this time, the reinforcements were exposed to arduous ocean conditions including severe sea states. In addition, one reinforcement suffered accidental damage requiring in-situ repair. Recent laboratory work aimed at improved techniques for the lay-up of marine composite reinforcement is also discussed