In a significant stride towards enhancing maritime structural applications, researchers have explored the potential of Steel-Glass-Reinforced Plastic-Steel (S-GRP-S) sandwich panels as a viable alternative to conventional steel plates. This innovative study, led by Md Mezbah Uddin from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Military Institute of Science and Technology, has been published in the journal ‘Results in Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Engineering Results’).
The maritime industry has long sought lightweight, high-performance materials to improve vessel efficiency and reduce operational costs. The study investigates how S-GRP-S sandwich panels, which combine the strength of steel face plates with the lightweight and corrosion-resistant characteristics of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) cores, can meet these demands.
The research team prepared three steel plate configurations of varying thicknesses (9 mm, 11 mm, and 13 mm) and three S-GRP-S sandwich panel configurations (12 mm, 16 mm, and 20 mm). They conducted a series of experimental tests, including tensile, hardness (Vickers and Rockwell), and three-point bending tests, to compare the performance of these materials.
The results are promising. The GRP-steel sandwich panels exhibited superior axial stress response, resistance to deformation, and deflection behavior while significantly reducing weight. For instance, the 5–10–5 mm sandwich panel reduced axial stress by 41.91%, and the 3–6–3 mm sandwich panel reduced weight by 18.05% compared to their respective steel plate configurations. In bending tests, some sandwich panel setups showed over 50% improvement in flexural stiffness and load-bearing capacity.
One of the most notable findings is that welding did not compromise the tensile properties of the sandwich panels, suggesting that welded composite structures remain mechanically sound. This is a crucial factor for maritime applications, where structural integrity is paramount.
“The S-GRP-S sandwich panels combine strength, reliability, and weight efficiency, making them a strong candidate for future ship hull construction,” said lead author Md Mezbah Uddin. This statement underscores the potential of these panels to revolutionize shipbuilding and other marine structural applications.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. The maritime industry stands to benefit from reduced material costs, lower fuel consumption due to lighter structures, and improved corrosion resistance, which extends the lifespan of vessels. Additionally, the enhanced load-bearing capacity and flexural stiffness of these panels can lead to more innovative and efficient ship designs.
For maritime professionals, this study opens up new avenues for exploration and implementation. The use of S-GRP-S sandwich panels could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective shipbuilding practices, ultimately benefiting the entire maritime sector. As the industry continues to evolve, such advancements in materials science will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime engineering.
The research, published in ‘Results in Engineering’, provides a solid foundation for further exploration and development of composite materials in marine structural applications. The findings not only highlight the potential of S-GRP-S sandwich panels but also pave the way for future innovations in the field.