AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERFORMANCE-CHARACTERISTICS OF TOP-HAT STIFFENER TO SHELL PLATING JOINTS

This paper is concerned with the design of top-hat stiffener to shell plating joints such as those typically found in fibre-reinforced plast ic (FRP) ships and boats. The background to the problem is presented, as characterised by a review of past work and current design/productio n procedures. From these considerations influential geometric variable s are defined, and a 'new' design of stiffener joint is developed. Fin ite element modelling is used to compare the behaviour of this joint w ith typical current practice. Load transfer paths and failure mechanis ms are determined. Finally the results of a study are presented in whi ch the key design parameters are systematically varied to highlight th eir influence.