Use of innovative composite materials and foams for noise control on board ships

In this paper an analysis on the use of innovative materials for the noise control on board ships is considered. Within ships design and building industry, materials are asked to feature characteristics as weight reduction, strength, resistance, maintenance, safety for human health and non-reaction to brackish environment in order to allow faster speeds, lower fuel consumption and higher payloads. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in its Chapter II-2, 2002 (Part F Regulation 17. Alternative design and arrangements) allows in shipbuilding the use of materials alternative to steel and equivalent provided that the safety objectives and the functional requirements are respected. Since then, the scientific research has been focused towards the investigation and analysis of groundbreaking materials that can be able to provide the same physical and mechanical features of traditional ones increasing, at the same time, benefits which are essential for market competitiveness. Usually used in superstructures, decks and bulkheads, innovative materials have been demonstrated to provide numerous of the benefits required in naval development and improvement applications. This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the benefits of the use of advanced materials focusing on the noise control and reduction interventions, e.g. as for the buildup of air ducts or interiors.