Effect of Void Content on the Mechanical Properties of GFRP for Ship Design

Abstract

Defects such as voids in composite materials often degrade the mechanical properties of laminates. Even if these materials are manufactured based on the design requirements, there is a possibility of instability occurring in these composite structures. In this study, several prototypes were developed based on changes in composite ship design conditions (glass fiber weight fraction and fabric combination type) using a hand lay-up approach. The fabrication quality was quantitatively defined using the burn-off test, and statistical analysis was performed. A combination of chopped strand mat and woven roving material laminates possessed relatively less void content in the entire glass content (Gc) region (30–70 wt%) compared to a chopped strand mat single-material laminate. The effect was more pronounced in the high-Gc region (50–70 wt%) than that in the normal-Gc region (30–50 wt%). The composite hull plate can be designed seamlessly according to changes in fabrication quality. To ensure safety, the thickness of the laminate must be greater than that specified in the ISO standards, regardless of the combination type in the normal-Gc region. As a result of the void content considered, the flexural strength in the single laminate decreased by 15.02%. Furthermore, 3.33% of the flexural strength calculation decreased in the combined laminate compared to that in the ISO rules. Thus, a single CSM material can be designed to be thicker than a combined-material laminate with the same Gc, while considering the void content on the mechanical properties.