Finite element analysis and life cycle assessment for CFRP laminates in marine applications

Abstract

Abstract. The present study focuses on structural analysis of a moth structure realized in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) prepreg laminates. A finite element method analysis was performed to investigate the flexural strength of different laminations and to identify the optimal layering. Moreover, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of the moth structure obtained using innovative processes and to compare them with those resulted by the same structure realized with manual composite processes. The results demonstrated the higher sustainability of the innovative process than the traditional one (335.75 eq. vs 228.22 kg CO₂ eq.). This research is part of the project NAUTILUS, in which Università Politecnica delle Marche and Cetma Composites are involved, that aims to develop, test and validate new processes for composite materials in nautical applications, with respect to environmental sustainability.