Strength modelling in stiffened FRP structures with viscoelastic inserts for ocean structures

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the static structural response of a new type of composite stiffener containing a viscoelastic insert. The introduction of this material has proven benefits in terms of noise and vibration attenuation across the joint. House, 1997 describes the use of this material in sonar dome/hull connections — equipment sensitive to noise and vibration. Structural stiffeners incorporating this material would have positive implications for not only marine and ocean structures but for structural applications in general. The effects of introducing this new material on the structural response of the joint are numerically examined by using a progressive damage model. Application of this method allows the initiation and progression of failure and ultimate failure load to be predicted. Experimental results show good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the predictive damage model.