Structural optimization and Performance Analysis of Honeycomb Fenders for Maritime Applications
P.R. Udupi (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
J. Jovanova – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport Engineering and Logistics)
A.A.A. Thomas – Mentor (TU Delft - Ship and Offshore Structures)
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the enhancement of energy absorption in traditional PVC air-filled boat fenders through the incorporation of twisted honeycomb lattice structures. The research addresses critical deficiencies in existing fender designs, primarily focusing on improving energy dissipation consistency and reliability. By leveraging advanced metamaterial design principles, this study explores the impact of various twist angles applied to honeycomb configurations within the fender. Results indicate that a 20◦ twist maximizes energy absorption due to optimal stress distribution and synergy between compression and shear forces. Conversely, higher angles such as 30◦, while initially improving energy absorption, introduce substantial stiffness, compromising the efficiency of energy distribution across the structure. This phenomenon underscores the importance of selecting appropriate twist angles to balance structural flexibility and energy management. The study employs ANSYS Workbench for explicit dynamic simulations to evaluate the performance of various configurations, confirming a structural activation threshold at 10◦ . This research advances the development of innovative fender designs, providing significant implications for their practical application in the marine industry.