ASSESMENT OF FIBER REINFORCED POLYMERS FOR A GILSON MAST STRUCTURE ON STEEL DECK SHIPS

This study provides a conceptual framework for the investigation of the modelling process involved in the designing of all CFRP Gilson Mast (GM) that is attached to a steel deck of a fishing vessel. The ANSYS static structural and ACP modules were utilized to conduct a comprehensive Finite Element Analysis (FE Analysis) is performed. The sub-laminates with (0/45/-45/0)s and (0/23/-23/0)s are ply sequences chosen for the implementation. FE Analysis of GM has been carried out based on the Tsai-Wu criterion and safety factors for first ply failure. The material was determined to be Epoxy Carbon UD (230 GPa) Prepreg, which is readily accessible in the Ansys Library. The study presents a comparison between the structural steel and composite GM using ANSYS software as well. The analysis was conducted for each primary component of the structure. The findings indicate that CFRP material with high strength are appropriate for use in GM applications and have the potential to result in weight reductions of up to 525%, even if they are regarded as fully brittle materials with no gradual failure. However, failure locations were identified as the load was rotated along the x-axis due to the possible motions of the ship. The evaluation of the subject matter should be conducted in the subsequent studies.