Numerical Optimization of Hybrid Panel Joints by Mixed Adhesive/Welded Method on Shipbuilding

The structural method for shipbuilding remains invariant for a century, the introduction of light materials in other fields, aeronautics and automotive, involves saving weight without risking structure failures. The most difficult part is to incorporate these materials in the shipbuilding industry, because the impact in cost and qualified personnel remains as a handicap. The purpose of this study is to review the shipbuilding process specifically the joints between hybrid panels and primary structural elements without a high cost in resources or material. A honeycomb core sandwich is used as a hybrid material, and the optimized mixed joint is raw steel, the clamp is directly welded to the primary members, glued to the panel with two adhesive strengths, and the mathematical formula used to simulate the debonding at the interface is based on the Cohesive Zone Model, proposed by Al-fano and Crisfield. The numerical simulation analyses consist in topological and parametric optimization, and debonding effects are simulated using contact non-linearity and fracture mechanics approaches.