State of the Art
Conventional solutions for internal walls are based on the use of sheet steel with mineral wool insulation to reach fire class A-0. Such structures typically weigh around 50 kg/m² and cost up to €220 €/m². Very rarely (primarily for non-SOLAS ships), FRP structures or foam-cored panels are used, but these can be quite labour-intensive to produce.
Objective
Development of a lightweight modular system consisting of a truss core with connecting and outfitting elements. For the maritime industry, primary motivation for the application of new materials in commercial shipbuilding is weight saving and reduction of mounting time.
Solution
Panels for a standardised modular system have been designed and are produced in an automated, fibre winding process forming truss-like structures. Through the efficient deployment of high-performance carbon fibres these structures are ultra-low weight structures (less than 10 kg/m²). Additional outfitting will result in modules with equivalent fire performance, noise attenuation and cost compared to conventional structures.
Another application of truss-like structures are smaller vessels. The load bearing structure can be made entirely in this way. In the project, a lightweight catamaran with electrical propulsion with solar panels was build. The concept is called 0e-N. The inner structures for both hulls are made by using the strand laying process. On top of it, the glass laminate has been put to give the outer surface. This results in a body which has an inner load bearing structure of connected ribs and strands covered by a hull, made without the need of a mould. In a similar technique, the decks were made. The catamaran has a solar deck, which gives the energy for an electric propulsion unit.
Potential
Wide range of applications in ships (decks, bulkheads, walls) and offshore are feasible. Potentials also in rail vehicles and buildings as well as significant greening potential through bio-based and recyclable/reusable materials and components are provided.