Composite submarine superstructure_

Solico delivered the engineering calculations and structural drawings of the composite demountable Walrus-submarine superstructure. The biggest challenge in this project was the integration of composite and steel structures over 4 submarines and keeping the parts interchangeable. This project was achieved in collaboration with Nevesbu BV.

Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Centre, Tel Aviv_

The 5 roofs, designed to look like dove wings, were not achievable using conventional materials. The option of using concrete material measured over 1m in thickness. This would have resulted in a much too heavy weight for the building to sustain. Solico engineered this elegant alternative in composite materials, which provided the requirements of lightweight, acceptable thickness and aesthetics. 

Dashboard bulkhead – Luxurious camping car_

Solico provided the expertise to build a 100% composite material dashboard bulkhead for the luxurious camping cars of Niesmann+Bischoff. This camping car is the first in its class with integrated airbags, ESP, seatbelt tensioner and a crash mechanism for the brakes. The added value of composite material can be demonstrated by its strength to withstand potential collision forces and accidents. This advantage has been clearly integrated in the specially designed pedestal and the bulkhead partition (firewall) in order to fulfill the maximum safety requirements. 

Design and engineering of composite products is our core business_

The largest independent composite engineering company in the Benelux.

Our vast experience is the best start for the success of your product.

Independence from production methods and suppliers results in the best design.

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Why are composites used here?

Integration of functions

By combining functions such as strength and insulation in one product, a composite solution is often more cost effective than the sum of traditional solutions.

Limited thermal expansion

Thermal expansion of composite materials can be tuned. Depending on the fiber used it can vary between 0 and 30 where steel has an alpha of 12.

Fatigue

The fatigue resistance of composites is much better than that of metals. Of course fatigue failure also occurs in GRP and CFRP and has to be analysed in detail.

Lightweight

The specific weight of composites varies between 1.5 and 2.0 compared to 2.7 to 7.8 for aluminium and steel.

High strength

In general, fiber reinforced plastics outperform metals (e.g. steel and aluminium) in strength.

Aesthetics

Slender constructions and seamless façades are examples of aesthetics driven design. These type of structures are impossible to construct with traditional materials.

High stiffness to weight ratio

The stiffness to weight ratio of a high modulus carbon fiber construction is typically 5 times higher than steel or aluminium.

Chemical/corrosion resistance

Composite materials are resistant to a lot of chemical products such as acids, hydroxides, crude oil, etc. Corrosion resistance against salt and seawater is excellent.

Cost effectiveness

Though composite materials themselves are slightly more expensive than metals, combining properties such as insulation and weight savings often results in a cost effective product.

Sonar/Radar Transparency

Composites are very well known for their transparency to radar and low damping properties.

Freedom of geometry

Double curved shapes are easily produced in composite materials at almost no extra cost. For production of limited series the relatively low moulding costs are an additional benefit.

Non-magnetic

The non-magnetic properties of glassfiber reinforced composites are a major advantage especially in sonar and radar applications.

Low maintenance

Steel structures typically require periodic maintenance such as conservation and paint systems to prevent corrosion. Composites are not susceptible to corrosion resulting in lower Life-cycle costs.

Insulation

Typical GRP lambda values are 1, compared to 50 for steel and 237 for aluminium, which results in excellent insulation properties.