Modal and structural FEM analysis of a 50 ft pleasure yacht

In this paper a structural Finite Element analysis of a 50 ft pleasure vessel is presented. The study is performed under different loads conditions: modal analyses have been done in order to find the natural frequencies of the vessel, structural analyses to verify the strength of the vessel to design loads. The design loads for the vessel considered are computed according to RINA rules for the construction and classification of pleasure vessels [1]. Two different composites are used for the lamination: one is a monolithic sequence of short fibre and balanced glass lamina, used for the bottom of the vessel and for structural reinforcements, the other is a sandwich made of glass fibre composite skins and a PVC core, used for the main deck and sides of the vessel. All the analyses are performed by using Patran/Nastran™ finite element commercial software in order to identify critical areas where possible reinforcement or redesign needs to be considered.