Composite Monocoque Hull Structure for Shock and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hull structures for CMM ships lack sufficient low acoustic signature and high shock resistance, as they either fail to absorb external stresses and vibrations effectively or transmit them to the hull, compromising the integrity of the ship and its components.
Innovation Solution
A hull structure made of reinforced plastic material with a monocoque plating and cradle-shaped load-bearing elements supported by transverse bulkheads, which absorb vibrations and stresses through elastic deformation, minimizing acoustic signature and shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hull is made rigid to ensure structural robustness during navigation, then the hull can face external stresses and support machinery, but it transmits shock waves and vibrations to internal components, reducing shock resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The hull structure is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer monocoque plating for structural integrity, intermediate elastic deformation layers for shock absorption, and inner support structures for machinery housing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hull employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural strength) with elastic materials (for shock absorption). The monocoque plating uses reinforced materials for robustness, while internal structures utilize elastic materials to deform under shock waves, protecting internal components from damage.
2Reliability
If the hull is made flexible to absorb shock waves and vibrations, then shock resistance improves, but the hull loses structural robustness and cannot adequately support machinery during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The hull structure is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer monocoque plating for structural integrity, intermediate elastic deformation layers for shock absorption, and inner support structures for machinery housing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hull employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural strength) with elastic materials (for shock absorption). The monocoque plating uses reinforced materials for robustness, while internal structures utilize elastic materials to deform under shock waves, protecting internal components from damage.
3Strength
If the hull transmits vibrations to the water, then structural integrity is maintained, but the acoustic shelf mark increases, compromising stealth capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic deformation structures serve as intermediary elements between the rigid hull structure and the external environment. These intermediaries absorb vibrations internally through elastic deformation, preventing vibration transmission to the water and thereby reducing the acoustic shelf mark while maintaining structural integrity.
4Reliability
If the hull is designed to deform elastically to transform incident energy, then shock resistance improves, but the deformation capacity is limited by the presence of stiffening structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The hull structure is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer monocoque plating for structural integrity, intermediate elastic deformation layers for shock absorption, and inner support structures for machinery housing. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hull employs composite construction combining rigid materials (for structural strength) with elastic materials (for shock absorption). The monocoque plating uses reinforced materials for robustness, while internal structures utilize elastic materials to deform under shock waves, protecting internal components from damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The structure effectively absorbs external stresses and vibrations, maintaining the integrity of the hull and minimizing acoustic signature by using elastic deformation and flexible supports, ensuring robustness and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the high resistance to shock is linked to the ability of the hull to deform and transform the incident energy in elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Hull structure made of composite material that includes a hull with high thickness “single skin” monocoque plating without reinforcements and an internal stiffening structure (1) formed by a deck (2), two opposing transverse bulkheads (3) and more cradle-shaped load-bearing elements (5) to support components or machinery intended to be housed on board said hull structure. Advantageously, the above-mentioned cradle-shaped load-bearing elements (5) are supported at the respective internal portions of said opposite transverse bulkheads (3) only at their opposite head ends (5b).