ADAM4EVE

Adaptive and smart materials and structures for more efficient vessels

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Materials and structures are called adaptive if they can change certain properties in a predictable manner due to the forces acting on them (passive) or by means of built in actuators (active). Those materials and structures are referred to as smart if they provide best performance when operation circumstances change. The project ADAM4EVE focuses on the development and assessment of applications of such materials and structures in the shipbuilding industry. The types of materials and structures are - adaptable ship hull structures for optimised hydrodynamic properties depending on varying cruise speed, - adaptive materials for noise and vibration damping of ship engines to avoid induction of vibrations into the ship hull and - adaptive outfitting materials that improve ships' serviceability and safety. Technical developments in the project are structured in three groups: - Materials and structures development: Based on available research results and known applications from other industries, adaptive and smart materials and structures will be adopted and further developed in order to make them applicable in the maritime industry. - Solution development: Driven by different shipyards, several application case studies will be performed, in order to achieve customised solutions for particular vessel types and their individual requirements; classification societies will assure that the solutions comply with existing rules and regulations. - Enabling and assessment of technologies: This group of activities provides support to the other ones on the field of testing, assessment of safety as well as economical and ecological impact, and advice for production, operation and dismantling. Due to the novelty of the solutions to be pursued, further development of the required validation methods and tools is intended, as well as suggestions for standardisation.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Smart materials react to changes in their environment to enhance properties or functions. Exploitation in the shipbuilding industry promises intelligent vibration damping, better thermal regulation and shape-changing hulls for improved hydrodynamics.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded project 'Adaptive and smart materials and structures for more efficient vessels' (http://www.adam4eve-project.eu/ (ADAM4EVE)) is modernising the shipbuilding industry for greater efficiency, safety and passenger comfort. Greater efficiency will decrease operating costs while improved safety and comfort will enhance the market position with passengers. Taken together, ADAM4EVE outcomes will strengthen the competitive position of the European shipbuilding industry.

Project partners have defined a number of applications covering a wide range of marine vessel types and needs that can be addressed with adaptive materials. Cruise ships, RoPax ships (roll-on/roll-off ship for freight vehicle transport with passenger accommodation), inland waterway ships, yachts, ships for refrigerated cargo (reefer ships) and those carrying livestock all stand to benefit. Technologies include active vibration damping, smart fire protection, adaptive ship hull structures (to reduce resistance to flow and increase efficiency) and adaptive thermal regulation/insulation.

Within the first project period, the team laid the foundations for the ship applications. Scientists began by defining materials requirements for the numerous vessel types and needs. They evaluated materials properties, assessed safety and sustainability, and estimated costs and likely efficiency improvements. This led to selection and development of the most promising smart materials and initiation of prototype development.

All five application scenarios are in advanced stages of the prototype design process. Since each vessel type exploits more than one adaptive materials solution, the project requires modification of each of the specific technologies for the individual reference ship types. Despite the expansive nature of the project's scope, work is coming along very well.

The next project period is expected to deliver validated solutions supported by recommendations for manufacture and dismantling as well as for standardisation. With full consideration of economic and environmental impact, ADAM4EVE's holistic treatment will enable shipbuilders to fully understand the benefits and adopt modern technologies to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort and safety.