Finite Element Analysis of Top-Hat–Stiffened Panels of Fiber-Reinforced–Plastic Boat Structures

This paper describes the development of a finite element model in order to assess the static response of a top-hat-stiffened panel under uniform lateral pressure. Systematic calculations were performed for deflection, strain, and stress using the developed model based on the ANSYS three-dimensional solid element (SOLID45). The numerical modeling results were compared to the experimental findings for validation and to further understand an internal stress pattern within the different constituents of the panel for explaining the likely causes of the panel failure. Good correlation between experimental and numerical strains and displacements was achieved.