Ruadan Geraghty
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Ruadan Geraghty has a total of 5 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Henry George Arthur Peters
Materials and Structures (MAST) Research Group, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM), Reynolds Building, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
1 shared publication - Jasper Graham-Jones
Plymouth Univ. (United Kingdom)
1 shared publication - John Summerscales
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
1 shared publication - Michael John Lowde
Materials and Structures (MAST) Research Group, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM), Reynolds Building, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
1 shared publication - Richard Pemberton
Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 11 March 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
- Vol. 10 (3) , 408
The 100 m Composite Ship?
Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) matrix composites are widely used in large marine structures, and in wind turbines where blade lengths are now over 100 m. Composites are the material of choice for small vessels due to ease of manufacture, high hull girder stiffness, buckling resistance, corrosion resistance and underwater shock resistance. Ships over 100 m are still built using traditional steel and/or aluminium, but so far not FRP. Composite ship lengths have increased over the past 50 years, but fundamental technical challenges remain for the 100 m composite ship. Preliminary studies suggest a possible 30% saving in structural weight, a 7–21% reduction in full load displacement, and a cost saving of 15%. However, economic considerations, design codes, manufacturing limits, safety and end of life scenarios need to be addressed before a 100 m ship is built. Innovative materials and structures, notably carbon fibre composite skinned sandwich construction, or aramid fibres with vinylester modified epoxy resin, should result in increased mechanical performance and consequent improvements in economics and manufacturing processes. A linear extrapolation of length vs. launch dates predicts the first 100 m ship would be launched in 2042.
- 11 March 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
- Vol. 10 (3) , 408
Open AccessThe 100 m Composite Ship?
Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) matrix composites are widely used in large marine structures, and in wind turbines where blade lengths are now over 100 m. Composites are the material of choice for small vessels due to ease of manufacture, high hull girder stiffness, buckling resistance, corrosion resistance and underwater shock resistance. Ships over 100 m are still built using traditional steel and/or aluminium, but so far not FRP. Composite ship lengths have increased over the past 50 years, but fundamental technical challenges remain for the 100 m composite ship. Preliminary studies suggest a possible 30% saving in structural weight, a 7–21% reduction in full load displacement, and a cost saving of 15%. However, economic considerations, design codes, manufacturing limits, safety and end of life scenarios need to be addressed before a 100 m ship is built. Innovative materials and structures, notably carbon fibre composite skinned sandwich construction, or aramid fibres with vinylester modified epoxy resin, should result in increased mechanical performance and consequent improvements in economics and manufacturing processes. A linear extrapolation of length vs. launch dates predicts the first 100 m ship would be launched in 2042.