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Dynamic Response of Composite Plates Moving in Water
Abstract
This study investigated dynamic responses of composite plates travelling inside a tow tank while the speed of the plate increased from zero to various steady-state values and remained at the steady state values. Both experimental and numerical studies were undertaken. For the experimental part, strain responses of the plate were measured using strain gages. The resultant drag forces were also measured. In order to determine the effect of the composite plate with fluid-structure interaction, an aluminum plate of the same size was also tested and its results were compared to that of the composite plate. The composite plates were also tested under various setting angles relative to the towing direction. Some experimental data were compared to numerical results to validate the computational model. After validation, various cases were examined numerically which could not be tested physically in the tow tank. The drag forces and maximum stresses/strains were much greater during the transient period of the increasing speed than at the steady state speed. Additionally, the hydrodynamic loading was greater on the polymer composite plate than on the aluminum plate of the same size. Therefore, design and analysis of composite structures moving in water should consider the drag force during the transient motion including fluid-structure interaction.