Introducing adhesive bonding into the fabrication of high speed craft and passenger vessels is expected to save time and costs, according to new research.
This is one of the findings of the European research project Bondship, expected to be finalised by March 2003. Adhesive bonding has been used in shipbuilding for many years with great success, and interest is now shifting towards load-carrying applications. European shipyards are developing many new applications, some of which have already seen the light of day.
Uses of adhesive bonding:
" To join different materials, e.g. an aluminium deckhouse to a steel deck.
" To reduce cost or weight: lack of heat distortion eliminates the need for rework, and reduces the time spent on surface finishing. It allows the use of thinner plating if acceptable from a corrosion and structural strength point of view.
" When welding is not practical, e.g. the surfaces are already painted or electric cables run adjacent to the joint.
What you need to consider:
" Quality assurance and robust production processes need to be established.
" Personnel must be properly trained and qualified.
" Good communication is essential between the joint designer and the production department.
" Start with non-critical applications to build up experience, and use natural redundancies such as interlocking joints.
The Bondship project is co-financed by the European Commission, and DNV is coordinating it. Major deliverables are detailed guidelines for design, production, inspection and repair of bonded joints. It is planned to implement them in DNV rules and guidelines. For those interested in using adhesives, DNV offers approval of drawings and materials, or consulting during the development process to help meet the requirements.