Response Analysis of Dynamically Loaded Composite Panels

The background to this study is the need for handy design tools, which can, in a short time, calculate the most appropriate material composition and panel scantlings for FRP sandwich and single-skin vessels. Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a frequently used material for the building of high-speed light craft (HSLC). The scantlings of the hull panels in these types of ships are often restricted by empirical and conservative design rules and it is of great interest to investigate whether a more rational calculation procedure will lead to better composite panels. With this in mind, analytical and numerical calculation methods are developed, in order to permit the designer to use efficiently the composite materials in high-speed light craft.