Cogent Engineering (Dec 2024)

Characterization of hybrid joint for glass fiber Reinforced polymer yacht superstructures using steel tubes

  • Patrick Townsend,
  • Salim Dominguez,
  • Alex Bayas,
  • Franklin Domínguez,
  • Juan Carlos Suárez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2024.2392207
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1

Abstract

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The present work analyzes the use of hybrid joints for the construction of yachts with the purpose of reducing the structural weight. By means of the elaboration of specimens made of tubular steel and fiberglass (GFRP). This is to significantly reduce the weight of the superstructure, allowing the yacht to be lighter. At the same time this reduces the fuel consumption, being environmentally friendly. Several test tubes were built with different layers of fiberglass covering the tubular structure in the form of a crosshead, to give it greater strength. To test the forces supported by this composite material, half of the specimens were tested in flexure and the other half in traction. On the other hand, the deformation of the material was analyzed by means of extensometers to observe the moment of failure in the hybrid joint. After the tests, it was determined that the flexural specimens present three important phases, the first is linear (elastic zone), the second phase showed cracks and a parabolic curve was formed (plastic zone) and finally the rupture. The same occurred with the tensile specimens, with the difference that the hybrid joint is the last to fail, withstanding a considerable force before reaching the plastic zone. Finally, the deformations were checked by means of a mathematical model, both in bending and in traction. All the experiments carried out both in bending and in tension were checked with a mathematical model made in ACP Ansys giving reliable results. The modeling program is very successful for future structural analysis, especially with composite laminations.

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