Parametric strength analysis of a river-coastal boat made of GRE composite materials in oblique design wave scenarios

• River-coastal boat design concept CAD/FEM whole structure model of composite materials • Experimental tensile tests of glass fiber epoxy-reinforced (GRE) composite materials • Iterative non-linear boat-oblique design waves equilibrium approach for hull models • Parametric boat strength analysis in oblique waves for a set of structural versions • Boat structural capability valuation and optimal strength-to-weight version selection In the pursuit of designing robust and efficient marine structures, the selection of suitable materials plays an essential role in naval architecture. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into two types of glass fiber epoxy-reinforced materials (GRE), evaluating their mechanical properties and structural performance in the context of a 24-meter boat subjected to equivalent design wave loadings. Tensile and Poisson coefficient experimental tests were conducted on a set of composite materials, and their strength diagrams were established. Utilizing the identified composite materials, a detailed finite element model of the 24-meter boat was constructed, considering three different sets of thickness for each material. The structural response of the boat was assessed under equivalent design wave loadings, focusing on strength criteria parameters such as von Mises stresses, buckling factors, and maximum vertical deflections. The numerical results obtained lead to a comparative performance analysis of the glass fiber epoxy-reinforced material boat in terms of strength, stability, and overall structural integrity. The findings reveal significant differences between the two composite materials used, highlighting their distinct mechanical behavior and performance characteristics when subjected to river-coastal loading conditions.