Methodology for composite materials shrinkage definition for use in shipbuilding and marine technology

Deformations of steel material in shipbuilding and marine technology applications as a result of mechanical or temperature influences are a well-known problem. However, in the modern shipbuilding industry, the application of alternative materials, especially composite materials, in the structure and for the equipment of the ship is increasingly represented. Consequently, there is a need to determine the deformation and change of characteristics of such composite materials as a result of various mechanical, and especially temperature influences that cause the so-called shrinkage. The basic composite production process involves connecting the matrix with a catalyst and accelerators that create temperature, then the material shrinks by cooling when it can change its dimensions and characteristics. Also, in order to achieve the best possible mechanical properties, composite materials are specially heated and then cooled according to strictly defined processes and curves. The ability to predict the characteristics and parameters of such deformations is important in the context of the application of composite materials. To define such deformations, different methods are used within individual numerical solvers, whose results can differ significantly from each other. Therefore, the authors in this paper present an established methodology for predicting mechanical and temperature deformations, and modelling of composite materials, based on the analysis of analytical methods and numerical solvers with the aim of defining the most accurate numerical solver. By applying the presented methodology, it is expected to raise the level of accuracy and quality of composite materials production as well as to raise the quality of design solutions and efficiency of production procedures during shipbuilding in particular, but also within different marine technology applications and during the product’s life cycle.