Study on Delamination Problems of Composite Hull Structures under Slamming Loads

The finite element method is used to study delamination problem of composite hull structure. Stress analysis and delamination analysis of the hull are based on laminated plate theory and exponential forms of cohesive models respectively. By using commercial finite element software ANSYS, a two-dimensional model of the hull structure is established. Interface element based on cohesive model is inserted into potential delamination field and contact element is used in the model to avoid adjacent mesh embedded, and slamming loads is imposed as a bending moment in structure stress analysis. The calculated results show that this method can be well predicted delamination initiation and growth of the hull. Under a certain given slamming bending loads, delamination first occurs near middle layer of the hull structure, and delamination location in the vicinity of the stiffeners. The results may provide favorable references to prevent delamination of composite hull in the structure work.