IJSCT 101

Paper Title: Repair Technology for Thermoplastic Composite Boats

Authors

M E Otheguy and A G Gibson, Newcastle University, UK
E Findon and R M Cripps, BVT Surface Fleet Ltd., UK

Summary

This paper describes research on the repair of thermoplastic composite boats. The work was carried out because the viability of the thermoplastic composite option for boat construction depends critically on the availability of a simple repair method. An experimental thermoplastic composite rigid inflatable boat (RIB), built by BVT Surface Fleet was subjected to controlled impact damage. Ultrasonic non-destructive testing was used to characterise the extent of the resulting damage area. An emergency repair technique involving the replacement of the damaged material by a fusion bonded composite patch, was developed. The procedure involved simple, easily portable equipment and avoided the use of a mould. A micrography study, accompanied by tensile tests, demonstrated that the technique provided a watertight repair of the required structural integrity.

Reference

Transactions RINA, Vol 152, Part B1, International Journal of Small Craft Technology, Jan-Jun 2010 

DOI number

DOI No: 10.3940/rina.ijsct.2010.b1.101

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