A review of fluid-structure interaction in hull laminated with fibre reinforced polymer: experimental and computational approaches

Abstract

Hull is a critical structure in marine structures, providing buoyancy, stability, and resilience against harsh environments. This literature review examines fluid-structure interaction (FSI) in Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-laminated hulls, aiming to synthesize current research, highlight FRP benefits in marine applications, and identify research gaps. Experimental methods were used to assess mechanical properties such as tensile strength, fatigue damage, and crack initiation. The findings demonstrate that lamination sequences and orientations significantly influence material performance. Computational approaches, including finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), were employed to simulate FSI processes, focusing on wave slamming impacts on hull performance. Comparing experimental data with FEA results validated the models, providing insights into material response under extreme conditions. The study found that FRP offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it highly suitable for marine applications. However, significant challenges remain, such as the need for comprehensive long-term studies on FRP’s durability in marine environments, improvements in modeling techniques to better predict material failure, and assessments of the environmental impact of FRP. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental validation with advanced computational modeling to optimize the performance and sustainability of FRP-laminated hulls in marine applications.

Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, 23(2), 2026, PP. 257-271