Greenprop Composite Propeller_

Solico engineered and delivered a high tech composite propeller for project “Greenprop”. This unique propeller postpones the phenomenon of cavitation due to its higher flexibility and torsion-bending coupling. The bonding of the composite propeller to the metal hub was particularly challenging because of the high cycle fatigue loads. The propeller was successfully tested in late 2017. The potential of this propeller lies in higher speeds and lower noise emission levels.

Sonar domes_

Solico developed a new generation of sonar domes for the Royal Dutch Navy. The domes combine superior sonar transparency with robustness needed for severe sea conditions. Recently, we developed sonar domes for the Royal Danish Navy, based on a similar design.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

High strength

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

Sonar/Radar Transparency

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

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.

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.

Non-magnetic

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

Insulation

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

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.

Lightweight

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

Aesthetics

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

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.