This book combines an account of composite material characteristics, related to the marine environment, with a discussion of structural analysis methods and design procedures.

Against this background the problems of structural design are addressed with consideration of load evaluation, stress analysis, buckling behaviour, design criteria and performance of connections. Several of the more important applications, such as mine-countermeasure vessels, weight critical vehicles, superstructures for ships and offshore platforms and pressure hulls of submersibles, are examined with reference to some illustrative design cases. Design of Marine Structures in Composite Materials is intended for engineers concerned with the application of composite materials in boats, ships, submersibles and offshore or deep-ocean installations. It will also be of use to students of naval architecture and ocean engineering who should be aware of the benefits obtainable by exploration of composite material.