Consideration of Bending and Torsional Testing Methods Suitable for Hydro-Structural Ship Models

Abstract

This paper examines bending and torsional testing methods specific to hydro-structural ship models. The methods examined include testing on land and water. The on-land testing uses supports that are designed not to damage the soft hull. Meanwhile, the on-water testing gives vertical bending or torsional moments to a floating ship model by moving ballast weights. The ship model is naturally twisted with respect to the shear center, which is a significant advantage of on-water torsional testing. Bending and torsional tests based on the proposed methods were performed using a hydro-structural bulk carrier model composed of GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics) sandwich panels. The test results validated these proposed test methods except for the on-land torsional test, where it is difficult to provide accurate bilaterally symmetric constraint conditions at the supports. In addition, these test results are used to discuss the influences of the adhesive and ambient temperature variations on FBG (Fiber Bragg Gratings) strain sensor outputs.