Analyse par elements finis d'un catamaran sur coussin d'air en sandwich

This paper deals with the structural analysis of transverse frames and bulkheads in sandwich catamarans. Finite element analyses of a frame and a bulkhead have been carried out, and the results are compared to those obtained from a finite element model of the entire craft. The frame and the bulkhead have been analysed with five different boundary conditions. Four idealized load combinations have been applied, and it is demonstrated that transverse frame models can give quite inaccurate results. This is due to the difficulty in deciding the relevant support springs to represent the interaction between the actual frame and the other part of the structure. When designing a new type of vessel, it is recommended to carry out a global finite element analysis instead of relying on frame models.