1998 Volume 47 Issue 4 Pages 224-229
The Techno-Superliner is a new generation, high-speed, hybrid hydrofoil lift/ buoyancy type vessel. The hull structure consists of an upper hull, lower hull, hydrofoils and struts which connect the upper hull to the lower hull and hydrofoils. The group including the author surveyed many different materials, such as aluminum alloys, advanced composite materials, titanium alloys, higher tensile steels, stainless steels and others, including some developing materials. Based on the unique requirements for the structural materials and on the results of extensive investigations, aluminum alloys and higher tensile stainless steels were chosen for the upper hull and the underwater parts, respectively.
This paper summarizes the requirements for the structural materials and the basic features of the materials surveyed and outlines the mechanical properties, fabricability, corrosion and erosion resistance of the selected materials.
