The finite element technique was introduced in ship ... the stress level in pillar
structural elements. ... 1. the structural analysis of a limited part of the structure.
Eng. 6002 Ship Structures 1
LECTURE 10: FINITE ELEMENT TECHNIQUES IN SHIP STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Contents Introduction
Linear Analysis Static Non-linear
Analysis Transient Dynamic Analysis Other Applications
Introduction The finite element technique was introduced in ship
design with a significant delay with respect to other fields (automotive, aircraft and aerospace industry) the high degree of conventionality of vessels allowed a
complete and effective structural scantling based on experienced and consolidated rules.
Introduction Recently, the development of unconventional vessels and
the adoption of light and advanced materials showed the limitations of the range of validity of the existing rules Increased use of F.E. technique
Introduction In this lecture, some significant examples relevant to the
application of F.E. technique to ship structural design are reported. Examples make reference to: 1. global and local strength evaluation 2. the collapse of structural components in advanced materials 3. impact simulations with fluid-structure interaction.
Introduction Particular emphasis is devoted to the fluid-structure
interaction, which represents one of the most recent numerical application in the field of ship design.
Linear Analysis: Global Strength Evaluation Global strength evaluation: evaluation of the stress levels
related to the hull girder idealisation, Considers the main global load effects due to both wave and still water conditions acting on the hull as:
longitudinal bending moment, both hogging and sagging;
shear force;
torque moment.
Linear Analysis : Global Strength Evaluation the approaches: the adoption of F.E. technique, using a beam idealisation of the ship
Linear Analysis : Global Strength Evaluation using a 3D - F.E. model of a part of the ship
Linear Analysis : Global Strength Evaluation using a 3D - F.E. model representing the whole hull
structure:
Linear Analysis : Global Strength Evaluation the third approach allows a more complete overview of
the structural behaviour of the hull, the designer can obtain useful information about:
global and local deflection;
stress concentration and structural behaviour in the main structural discontinuities of the hull and superstructures;
the contribution level of the different decks to longitudinal bending (especially for passengers vessels);
the distribution of shear stress in the main structural components of the hull;
the stress level in pillar structural elements.
Linear Analysis : Local Strength Evaluation Local strength evaluation can be interpreted as:
the structural analysis of a limited part of the structure subjected to the loads directly applied on it; 2. the analysis of a limited part of the structure or what happens in a well defined structural detail when the whole ship structure is subjected to the global load effects (substructuring). 1.
Linear Analysis : Local Strength Evaluation the second interpretation represents a very ambitious
objective. This is particularly used in strength and/or in fatigue life considerations
Linear Analysis : Local Strength Evaluation In this context, a further methodology that can offer a
great help in local strength evaluation is represented by an adaptive-meshing procedure. This procedure is practically an automatic refinement of the mesh, that can be guided by the user.
Linear Analysis : Local Strength Evaluation So, the adaptive method may represent a very useful tool
for investigating stress levels in structural details the actual geometry of the examined structure should be completely defined in the initial mesh. In fact, it is not effective to deal with very fine meshes if the geometric shapes and details do not correspond to the actual structure.
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation Large impulse loads are experienced by a body during
impact with water. This is often designated as slamming. Both fore and bottom parts of a ship are exposed to slamming, as well as the deck between the two hulls of a catamaran or a surface effect ship Slamming loads can lead to structural damage as well as induce whipping.
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation Current trends to produce innovative, lighter and faster
ships, increase the probability of slamming and, in addition, lighter structures are more prone to slamming damage than conventional structures. Both aspects demand a better understanding and treatment of slamming loads In general, conventional analyses are not able to provide good descriptions or exhaustive models for this kind of phenomena.
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation The study of hydrodynamic impact between ship panels
and a free water surface is traditionally dealt with through: 1. Analytical methods and experiments, these latter being preferably carried out under controlled conditions (drop tests). 2. Direct calculations, by means of suitable finite element codes for transient analysis that include structure-fluid interaction algorithms.
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation Consider the study of flat ship panels impacting a calm
water surface at prescribed falling velocities. Analytical methods for wedge bodies break down for all but the simplest scenarios The finite element simulation of the above problem needs a multi-fluid (water & air) approach for the fluid domain, the modelling of the structural properties of the plate, equations of state for the fluids, a fluid-structure coupling algorithm.
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation For an impact configuration with the panel impacting the
calm water surface at 0° , and some initial height Geometric and material properties are specified for the plate
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation The fluid domain has about 20x the number of cells as
the structural grid. A portion of the elements must be dedicated to both the air domain and water domain. A view of half of the fluid domain is shown:
Transient Dynamic Analysis: Drop test simulation The adopted equations of state for water and air must be
specified and a simulation is run
Timesteps at 5,10,15,20 ms
Vibration Analysis The finite element technique was introduced in ship
design with a significant delay with respect to other fields (automotive, aircraft and aerospace industry) the high degree of conventionality of vessels allowed a
complete and effective structural scantling based on experienced and consolidated rules.
Vibration Analysis
A forced vibration analysis was run using the engine propulsor excitation forces. The analysis confirmed the vessel’s vibration problem was caused by the propulsor. Changes were made in the design, and vibration was eliminated
Modeling of Loads: Mass Distribution
Modeling of Loads: Hydrostatic
Still water
Height of WL above global reference point Trim & Heel angle of waterplane
Wave pressures
Wavelength Amplitude Phase angle & yaw angle
R.B.D.-Modeling of Loads: Hydrostatic
Hydrostatic loads are applied and the model is automatically balanced on the chosen wave or stillwater height.
Modeling of Loads: Tanks
Volume (tank) loads are applied as a percentage filled or a specific mass or a head.
Canadian Patrol Frigate
100m Fast Ferry
Photo and model courtesy of Rodriquez Engineering, Genoa, Italy
Patrol Craft – USCG Island Class
SWATH Vessels: Cracking Investigation
Y Y
Z Z X X
T-AGOR 26 (Kilo Moana)
The natural frequency analysis accurately predicted the hull mode measured in full scale trials
