Experiments on top-hat-stiffened panels of fiber-reinforced-plastic boat structures

Abstract

The paper outlines an experimental procedure devised to assess the strength of top-hat-stiffened panels under uniform pressure load. Structural stiffness issues and their dependence on lay-up have been explored. The nature of the failure, from matrix cracking through the final collapse, is detailed. Included in the discussion is the nature of failure modes and their linkage to lay-up design. Numerous strain and digital dial gauges were used to collect important information.