The Effect of Defects in Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP)

A rational basis for developing acceptance standards for glass-reinforced plastic structures hulls is presented. Using existing models and a fracture mechanics analysis, the effects of key defects are quantified. Cracks in the edges of penetrations are shown to be potentially critical defects. Additionally, an equivalency between key defects is demonstrated. This equivalency allows correct proportioning of efforts to control and correct defects