The University of Auckland

Project #98: Development of scaling methods for curved structures under impulsive water impacts

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Description:

In the marine environment, one of the most extreme load cases is when an object impacts the free surface of the water. This can occur when; racing yachts are propelled into large waves, waves break against offshore structures or coastal waves impact with infrastructure. This complex loading scenario has been studied at both laboratory and full scale. Currently, there is a missing link in understanding how the results of highly instrumented laboratory tests on curved structures can be scaled for the design of marine craft, offshore structures or coastal infrastructure. This project would investigate size effects in laboratory experiments, using both existing datasets as well as experiments to be undertaken in the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials’ one-of-a-kind Servo-hydraulic Slam Testing System. Numerical modelling would also be undertaken in order to further develop the understanding of scaling beyond the capabilities of experimental testing. The project ties in with an existing US Office of Naval Research funded program underway at the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials.

Type:

Undergraduate

Outcome:

The initial outcome would be to extend an existing dataset by experimentally undertaking controlled drop tests of rigid curved specimens. Numerical models of the same impact scenario would be developed using established techniques. The end target for the project would be to develop semi-empirical scaling laws for the free surface impact of singularly curved structures.

Prerequisites

None

Specialisations

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Team

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Lab

Lab allocations have not been finalised