Composite engineering

Structural Composite Engineering

Gurit Composite Engineering provides independent services within the field of Structural Engineering for Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP). Our experienced team has been offering independent composite engineering services to designers and manufacturers since the 1980s.

Key Engineering services

Wind Blade mit Kerdyn Core Material

Structural Content Development and Feasibility Studies

  • Development of composite structural elements to meet requirements, based upon design briefs of functional, load scenario, or geometrical nature
Wind Blade mit Kerdyn Core Material

Laminate architecture design

  • Laminate design and optimisation to achieve required mechanical properties for a composite component

Pre-studies

  • Quantifying feasibility for new or contemplated composite structures
  • Risk assessments (FMEA)
  • Mass and cost estimation

Structural Engineering

  • Composite structure detail design and analysis (including FEA)
  • Material testing and specification
Wind Blade mit Kerdyn Core Material

Workshop drawings

  • CAD based draughting service, making laminate drawings, lay-up plans and assembly sequences, as well as 3D computer models and images

Project Engineering Support

  • Project management for prototype building at shortlisted and pre-qualified partners, including processing- and quality manuals
  • Engineering support during build of composite components
  • Classification society and Certification authority liaison

Data acquisition and proof tests

  • Post composite part production verification
  • Structural monitoring system design
  • Load, acceleration and strain data capture, processing and analysis

Trouble Shooting Support

  • For engineering and manufacturing
  • Testing and evaluation of results
  • Composite structure failure analyses and consulting advice

Testing

  • Our testing facilities carry independent quality accreditations, and test programs are run by experienced composite engineers

Impact testing flyer (PDF)
Corecell testing flyer (PDF)

Marine

Working alongside the world’s top boat designers and builders since the 1980’s, Gurit Composite Engineering has helped deliver quality services to the marine field.

We provide an appropriate level of involvement to suit the project needs & budget, ranging from basic advice & design sketches, through to concept studies to full engineering design, 3D CAD, FEA & workshop drawings.

In addition to the main structural design we also design masts & spars, bowsprits & features such as retractable propulsion systems.

Portfolio

Our portfolio includes racing yachts, sailing superyachts, production boats, motor yachts, RIBs and commercial vessels.

For yacht refits we offer initial assessments of the job contemplated, on-site support as well as off-site design and analysis, as appropriate to your project.

Emphasising high quality, use of latest and most efficient design and analysis tools, we work for owners, owner reps and designers, building yards and operators.

Rondal testimonial

by | Jun 22, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

GURIT PREPREGS, SPRINT™ MATERIALS & ENGINEERING Rondal is located in Vollenhove, The Netherlands and is a pioneer in prepreg construction of tall carbon spars and large special parts. Rondal has been using Gurit products for over 20 years, and industry legend SE 84LV was actually developed for their use. www.rondal.com

WEBBCO ELECTRIC FERRY

by | May 24, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

The southern hemisphere’s first fully electric high speed passenger ferry, Ika Rere, was launched in December 2021 by ferry operator East by West Ferries, in Wellington, New Zealand. It was built by Gurit customer Wellington Electric Boat Building Company (WEBBCo).

Nauta Tender 48

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

Gurit Structural Engineering, Gurit SPRINT™ prepreg; Gurit Corecell™ structural core.

Southern Wind

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

The Southern Wind and Gurit partnership including full package solution of materials, structural engineering and technical support, has delivered some amazing results: Smart custom performance sailing yachts which hit the sweet spot between customization and standardization, design and reliability and between performance and comfort.

PINK GIN

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

Currently the largest carbon fibre sloop in the world, the innovative Pink Gin VI features engineering and materials from Gurit.

Neptech Testimonial

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

With sustainability high on their agenda, NepTech turned to Gurit when building a demonstrator for the NepShuttle, a passenger ferry powered by a zero-emission propulsion system.

Baltic 142

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine | 0 Comments

Engineering the first super-sailing yacht to feature the Dynamic Stability Systems foil technology.

Baltic 67

by | Jan 25, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine,Case Study Engineering Marine Performance Yachts | 0 Comments

Baltic Yachts drew on their 48 years of design and building experience to create a full composite boat, with a glass hull and full carbon deck. From concept right through each of the build stages, they worked in conjunction with Gurit Engineering and materials supply to realise their vision. Using Gurit epoxy SPRINT™ and Corecell™ M foam, Baltic were able to produce a strong, lightweight structure with a significant performance edge.

IMOCA60 development & Vendée Globe

by | Nov 16, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Engineering Marine,Case Study Engineering Marine Performance Yachts | 0 Comments

Planet Sail's Docktalk feature on Gurit Engineering being involved in the IMOCA60 development. To watch the full feature please click here.

Architectural & Civil Structures

We have delivered FRP engineering for complete roof structures, façades and cladding, houses, urban installations, civil projects, and art sculptures.

We can support if you are looking for some of these features in your project. We offer FRP engineering to architects, consultants and contractors for feasibility studies, as well as to composite fabricators for detail design and analysis.

Advantages sought in architectural and civil application using advanced composites are:

  • Light weight for seismic resistance, transport and installation
  • Durability, sustainability, low maintenance over lifetime
  • Inherently good thermal and acoustic insulation properties
  • Vandalism resistance
  • Faster and lower cost installation
  • Maintenance reduction
  • Extended life
  • Transport and installation cost savings
  • Reduced loads on foundations
  • Designable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)
  • Freedom of form for architectural feature projects

View some of our projects in this sector


Skypath, Auckland, New Zealand

by | Dec 22, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Civil Structures | 0 Comments

Problem: Auckland harbour bridge has not provided any walking or cycling access since 1969. Auckland wanted to add pedestrian and cycle traffic without impacting vehicle traffic flow. Solution: Addition of a light weight composite tunnel attached to the side of the existing bridge.

Rhyl Harbour Bridge, Rhyl, Wales, UK

by | Dec 22, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Civil Structures | 0 Comments

Problem: Cycle bridge required to have lifting decks to allow harbour access to marine traffic. Light weight required to reduce lifting mechanism cost. Shallow spans to permit lifeboat access below without opening bridge. Solution: FRP bridge which is virtually maintenance free and able to be lifted with minimal power consumption compared to a metal equivalent.

Marsden Cross Interpretive Centre, New Zealand

by | Dec 22, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Architectural | 0 Comments

Gurit was brought in to help project managers meet their budget while achieving a modern geometic design and ensuring the roof of the centre remains structurally sound for years to come. After extensive engineering analysis using a parametric model to combine shape and laminate optimisation, a final epoxy infused laminate of E-glass / Gurit® G-PET foam core was derived.

Renewables

Our engineering team offers structural engineering for renewable energy projects in tidal, wave and wind power, from domestic up to multi-megawatt scale.

Gurit designed and built the blades for the first successful and DNV-certified 1MW tidal stream turbine, the Andritz Hydro Hammerfest HS1000, along with many other blades for leading turbine developers. In the marine environment, the main drivers are light weight, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance buoyancy. These drivers can be met with composite materials but require conscientious engineering and a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials underwater. Gurit has conducted over 1000 tests on epoxy laminates, adhesives and foam cores under pressure and saturated with seawater to gain this understanding.

View some of our projects in this sector


SSP Technologies A/S

by | Dec 22, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Renewables | 0 Comments

Danish company SSP Technology A/S set itself the challenge of creating a cost effective 34-metre blade with high yield, superior quality, low weight, and a long life span and chose to partner Gurit in the areas of structural design and materials specification.


ANDRITZ HYDRO Hammerfest HS1000

by | Dec 22, 2022 | Case Study,Case Study Industrial,Case Study Renewables | 0 Comments

With a rated capacity of 1MW and a diameter of over 20m the ANDRITZ HYDRO Hammerfest HS1000 is the largest single tidal turbine rotor to be installed to date. The 9m tidal blades were engineered and manufactured using Gurit materials by a team at Gurit UK.

Industrial & Transportation

Industrial

Composite solutions for an industrial structure can enable new markets and enhance revenues, by letting your product do more for your customer.

The nature of our industrial engineering services means many projects are naturally confidential; however, our track record includes structures and components for goods handling and lifting, farming equipment and flight simulators.

Transportation

With ever more stringent emissions requirements placing additional demands on the design of mass transportation such as buses and rail borne vehicles, as well as automobiles, composites offer a cost-effective route to achieving substantial weight reductions on the load bearing structure of the vehicle. For buses particularly, the use of composites allows payload levels to be maintained or improved whilst accommodating more complex hybrid or electric drivetrains for the same axle weights.

In addition to the potential weight reductions, composites also bring advantages such as improved corrosion and fatigue resistance and reduced part count, which when combined with Gurit’s extensive composite engineering and manufacturing experience can deliver a lightweight structure that integrates directly with the existing vehicle architecture.

Gurit has worked on the global structural design of buses, automobiles, and components for rail vehicle structures as well as the detailed design of components. Our in-depth knowledge of composites allows us to produce robust design details and line-replaceable structural elements allowing easy maintenance in service.

View some of our projects in this sector

Lemker & Harris

by | Jul 13, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Industrial | 0 Comments

Lemker & Harris is the leading manufacturer of mobile fiberglass radiographic testing darkrooms for the non-destructive testing service and inspection industry in the USA, in operation since 1975.

FridgeWize

by | Jul 13, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Industrial | 0 Comments

FridgeWize is a company that specializes in reducing energy in commercial refrigeration by retrofitting high efficiency motors – saving up to 70% of the energy costs associated with the motors.

CENTRUS ROTARY PLATFORMS, NEW ZEALAND

by | Jul 13, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Industrial | 0 Comments

To compete in today’s world market, New Zealand, a country of just 4 million people, has had to innovate to differentiate itself from global competition, many of whom are located closer to the primary customer base.

Solar Car

by | Jan 20, 2023 | Case Study,Case Study Transportation | 0 Comments

A predetermined design of the solar car body shape that the students had optimized with the primary focus on reducing aerodynamic drag was the starting point for this collaboration. As the Western Sydney Solar Team entered the Challenger Class, where the competing single-seat solar cars are solely built for sustained endurance and total energy efficiency, strict size limits governing the maximum dimensions of the cars along with a 4m2 maximum solar array applied. Otherwise, teams were free to design the most efficient and aerodynamic car possible.

Contact our Engineering Team

Paolo Manganelli

Head of Engineering

Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific
T +33 631 020 475

Rod Fogg

Principal Engineer

Europe, the Middle East and Africa
T +44 7813 713305

Tony Stanton

Engineering Manager

Asia-Pacific
T +64 9 970 2942

Steve Shaw

Senior Engineer

Europe. the Middle East and Africa
T + 44 (0) 23 8251 2585

Nicolas Siohan

Renewable Practice Manager

Europe. the Middle East and Africa
T + 33 6 88 21 33 46

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