Dynamic Efficiency (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia)
Dynamic Efficiency required preliminary design and comparative structural assessment of a 40’ (12 m) fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) vessel. The proposed alternative FRP vessel design utilises an innovative hull design combined with hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion. Preliminary design and structural assessment of the alternative FRP hull design was performed in accordance with strength/fatigue requirements of FRP and alloy components applying typical hydrostatic pressure, hog/sag and inertial loads and considering comparative hull COG and component deflections/stresses with current FRP hull designs. A comparative assessment was required to determine an appropriate alternative FRP hull design that has comparable COG and stiffness to existing hulls to facilitate approval as an alternative construction methodology by a relevant classification organisation.
What we did:
- Initial design of a 12 m FRP hull applying DNV-GL design rules for < 24 m boats to determine structural requirements based on hull, frame, bulkhead, longitudinal/transverse stiffener configuration (i.e. component dimensions/thickness).
- Structural FEA of FRP hull design considering nominal equipment layout/mass distribution (i.e. motors, fuel/water tanks, etc.) and applying typical hydrostatic pressure, hog/sag and inertial loads (with appropriate constraints or free body inertial relief). Determination of FRP component deflections/stresses and effective COG (for comparative assessment).
- Preliminary design and structural FEA of hydrogen fuel propulsion based alternative vessel FRP hull design considering equipment layout/mass distribution and applying typical hydrostatic pressure, hog/sag and inertial loads (with appropriate constraints or free body inertial relief). Evaluation of FRP component deflections/stresses and comparison with structural performance of existing hull design.
Outcome:
Avesta Consulting successfully developed an alternative FRP hull design that meets or exceeds the minimum structural performance requirements of current rules based boat hull designs to facilitate approval as an alternative design approach optimised for hydrogen fuel propulsion.
