FIBRESHIP, the greatest challenge of using composite materials for the construction of large-length ships

Abstract

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FIBRESHIP (H2020, Grant 723360) is an ambitious innovation project funded by the European Commission, which is participated by 18 European partners led by the Spanish company TSI. The main objective of FIBRESHIP is to overcome the great technical challenge of replacing the metallic materials currently used for the construction of large-lenght vessels for composite materials.

To carry out this task, this project is addressed from different points of view: i) shipping market and bussiness analysis of composite vessels, ii) analysis and numerical modeling of the materials selected, iii) development of the structural design using a finite element analysis software, and, iv) analysis of the construction and assembly procedures, structural health monitoring techniques, and ship life cycle.

The study and implementation of this technology for the construction of large-length composite vessels is carried out through the design of three types of vessels over 50 meters, which are considered as the most promising in the market: a container ship of 245 meters length, a ROPAX of 185 meters and a special service oceanographic vessel of 80 meters. In addition, specific numerical models are being developed and validated through experimental testing campaigns. Eventually, different structural health monitoring strategies and production models adapted to this technology.

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