Application of advanced materials for ship construction - Experiences and problems

Within the paper a short overview is given regarding the application of adv anced materials in the shipbuilding world. The trends for application of hi gh-strength structural steel, aluminium alloys and composites as well as th eir limits and restrictions are mentioned. Specific attention is paid to ma terial and corrosion problems observed in shipbuilding and ships in service . As main topics the application of high-tensile strength structural steel for ship structural members, for ballast water tanks and the involved corro sion problems, the fatigue resistance and "undermatch" situation of welded aluminium alloys compared to steel as well as the corrosion of composites, i.e. osmosis, are mentioned. New developments of ships, e.g. high-speed cra fts and wigs, are pointed out. Conclusions for further research and develop ment in the material field are drawn. The importance of the inter-relations hips amongst the improved material properties, design and calculation aspec ts as well as the fabrication technologies are stated.