Thermal Distribution Mapping and Its Role in Informing Fatigue Life Predictions of FRP Patrol Vessels

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) composites are extensively used in maritime applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and adaptability to complex designs. However, the effects of operational thermal conditions on FRP's viscoelastic properties and fatigue life remain understudied, particularly in tropical environments. This study focuses on determining the temperature range for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) testing by analyzing the thermal distribution of an FRP patrol vessel operating in Bangka Belitung waters. Thermal simulations using Ansys Steady State Thermal and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) identified critical zones on the vessel. The maximum temperature, approximately 70°C, was observed near the engine bulkhead in the stern area. However, this study focuses on load-bearing regions experiencing significant thermal and mechanical stresses, where temperatures range between 35°C to 45°C. These values were selected for DMA testing to evaluate FRP's viscoelastic behavior under operationally relevant conditions. The results highlight how localized thermal gradients affect FRP's structural performance and provide critical input parameters for future fatigue life studies. By integrating thermal analysis with the selection of operational temperature ranges, this study offers a robust framework to enhance the design and reliability of FRP patrol vessels in tropical maritime environments.