Author(s): R. E. Gagnon
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No keywords
Abstract: A new design has been generated for an impact panel that is intended for use in a second bergy bit / ship collision field study. The design incorporates new technology to measure impact loads and pressure distribution at fine spatial resolution. The panel consists of 6 large sensing modules. Each module is a solid acrylic block with dimensions 1m x 1m x 0.46 m, giving the impact panel a total sensing area of 6 m2. Each module sits on four flat-jack type load cells. All 6 modules are housed in a 3m x 2m rigid steel structure that is welded to the hull of the vessel at the bow center. The top surface of each module is covered with a new pressure-sensing mechano-optical technology capable of measuring pressure with an effective unit sensing area of about 1.3 cm x 1.3 cm. Data from the sensing modules are recorded by cameras operating at a capture rate of 250 images/s that are situated at the back end of each sensing module. A secondary means of measuring pressure at an array of locations on each module surface consists of strain gauges imbedded in the acrylic close to the impacting surface. The panel is intended for use within the next few years in a full-scale study of ship / bergy bit collisions with impact loads in the 0 – 20 MN range.
Year: 2008