Modification to Improve the Structural Performance of Hybrid Reinforcements Made of GRP and Naval Aluminum for Ship Design

The study analyzes the mechanical behavior of Omega type reinforcements in a hybrid configuration of GFRP and naval aluminum, evaluating their structural feasibility in naval applications. The specimens were manufactured by manual lamination of fiberglass with palatal resin. In the hybrid specimens, 1.1 mm and 2 mm aluminum sheets were incorporated in the upper area of the reinforcement, proportionally reducing the GFRP layers. Performance was determined by threepoint bending tests, recording force-displacement curves to obtain maximum load, deformation and failure modes. The comparative analysis showed variations in stiffness, crack initiation and structural collapse between conventional and hybrid specimens, highlighting the influence of metal thickness on the progression of damage. An 11% similarity in strength was achieved with respect to conventional specimens, despite having 23% less GFRP. These results demonstrate the potential of hybrid frames to reduce weight and optimize structural efficiency placed on top of the reinforcement allowing uniformity in bending.