Insertion of viscoelastic layer to absorb the propagation of energy due to vertical slamming impacts in fiberglass reinforced plastic vessels

Abstract

For the design of vessels built by GFRP laminates, an insert with a memory foam layer is proposed to reduce the spread of damage produced by the vertical impact of the ship’s bottom with the sea or slamming phenomenon. Using a vertical drop-weight impact machine that reproduces the energy inferred to the panel during navigation, the propagation of the damage of OoA cured prepreg panels is studied by comparing it with modified panels with insertion of a viscoelastic layer. The use of acceleration data reading allows the benefits of viscoelastic modification during impact to be quantified through the developed formulation. The force, displacement, and energy returned by the panel after impact have also been quantified, which does not become intralaminar and interlaminar damage.