The RNLI provides search and rescue cover along the UK and RoI coast using a variety of lifeboatsudand launch techniques. In locations where there is no natural harbour it is necessary to use a slipwayudto launch the lifeboat into the sea. Lifeboat slipway stations consist of an initial section where theudboat is held on rollers followed by an inclined keelway lined with low friction composite materials,udthe lifeboat is released from the top of the slipway and proceeds under its own weight into the water.udThe lifeboat is later recovered using a winch line. It is common to manually apply grease to theudcomposite slipway lining before each launch and recovery in order to ensure sufficiently low frictionudfor successful operation. With the introduction of the Tamar class lifeboat it is necessary to upgradeudexisting boathouses and standardise slipway operational procedures to ensure consistent operation.udThe higher contact pressures associated with the new lifeboat have led to issues of high friction andudwear on the composite slipway linings and the manual application of grease to reduce friction is to beudrestricted due to environmental impact and cost factors. This paper presents a multidisciplinaryudapproach to modelling slipway panel wear and friction using tribometer testing in conjunction withudfinite element analysis and slipway condition surveys to incorporate common real-world effects suchudas panel misalignments. Finally, it is shown that a freshwater lubrication system is effective,udreducing cost and environmental impacts while maintaining good friction and wear performance.
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