Geometry-performance relation in PVC/GRP marine sandwich T-joints

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PVC / Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) marine sandwich T-joints? geometries on performance of joints. In this investigate, six sandwich T-joints manufactured from various geometrical structures were compared to each other from mechanical performances point of view. First, strain distribution in T?joints was analysed by finite element method and critical regions in joints were chosen due to the numerical results. Later, these critical regions were tested experimentally. Six various types of T-joint were compared to each other by assessing numerical and experimental results, and so it was determined that which joint types had relatively better mechanical performance. In addition to the joints? mechanical strength, factors such as weight and cost were concluded, while joints? performances were compared.