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Fatigue damage represents a key failure mode in ship structures. Such damage typically begins at vulnerable points in the structure, like welded joints, stress concentration areas, and cracks. Cyclic loading, particularly from waves, encountered by ships during their operational life is a major cause of fatigue damage, which is the main focus of this study. There are various methods to address different sea state conditions, though they can sometimes be approximate. This paper aims to review the most commonly used methods to highlight their strengths and weaknesses and to provide essential background knowledge for developing reliable theoretical and numerical models for predicting the fatigue life of ship structures exposed to various sea states over their lifetime. The primary theoretical approaches discussed include energy spectral methods in both time and frequency domains, which are used to quantify wave-related energy and amplitude characteristics and evaluate wave loads for predicting the fatigue life of structures and welded joints. The discussion also covers the determination of cyclic stress in specific structural details of the hull girder and welded joints to identify the relevant maximum stress range for subsequent fatigue studies conducted using finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objectives of the present study were the application and validation of the newly proposed Digital Image Correlation equivalent structural strain approach for assessing the low-cycle fatigue life of S235 welded joints. Low-cycle fatigue tests were performed at a displacement ratio of minus one. Experimental tests were performed using two different ways of controlling the displacement amplitude: applying traditional low-cycle fatigue tests at a constant amplitude and stepwise succession tests at increasing amplitudes. A comprehensive, independent experimental procedure, proposed by the authors and not yet validated for steel welded joints, was applied to assess the equivalent structural strain range using the Digital Image Correlation technique for the traditional low-cycle fatigue tests and stepwise succession tests at increasing amplitudes. It is noteworthy that the values of the DIC equivalent structural strain (ΔEs from the DIC), calculated on the external sides of the samples, were utilized to predict fatigue life in correlation with the ASME mean curve and fall within the ±3σ scatter bands (external bands). In particular, most of the tests lie within the ±2σ boundary of the design curves except for some tests at low applied displacements. Moreover, it was shown that this method is applicable to stepwise succession tests with increasing displacement amplitudes, leading to significant time savings compared to conventional experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One important parameter for evaluating the safety and reliability of a ship is o the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures. Because of the importance of this parameter, its determination is essential. In this paper, a novel "two-step" approach for determining the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures is proposed. The main idea of two-step approach is to determine the dynamic ultimate load capacity based on the static ultimate load capacity after accounting for impacts that cause strain on the ship structures. This approach is based on nonlinear finite element method. Here, taking stiffened plate as a case study, the practical application of thus two-step approach is discussed in detail. The results of this approach reveal that the static ultimate load capacity decreases by less than 3% after a stiffened plate is subjected to an impact load whose amplitude corresponds to the dynamic ultimate load capacity. Then, the influence of the impact duration on the failure mode and the effect of the impact load cycles and the impact load sequence on the dynamic ultimate load capacity of the stiffened plate were investigated. Finally, the applicability of the two-step approach to a hull girder is demonstrated. The two-step approach and the conclusions presented in this paper can provide guidance for the evaluation of dynamic ultimate load capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue damage represents a key failure mode in ship structures. Such damage typically begins at vulnerable points in the structure, like welded joints, stress concentration areas, and cracks. Cyclic loading, particularly from waves, encountered by ships during their operational life is a major cause of fatigue damage, which is the main focus of this study. There are various methods to address different sea state conditions, though they can sometimes be approximate. This paper aims to review the most commonly used methods to highlight their strengths and weaknesses and to provide essential background knowledge for developing reliable theoretical and numerical models for predicting the fatigue life of ship structures exposed to various sea states over their lifetime. The primary theoretical approaches discussed include energy spectral methods in both time and frequency domains, which are used to quantify wave-related energy and amplitude characteristics and evaluate wave loads for predicting the fatigue life of structures and welded joints. The discussion also covers the determination of cyclic stress in specific structural details of the hull girder and welded joints to identify the relevant maximum stress range for subsequent fatigue studies conducted using finite element analysis.

Ships and offshore structures operate in a severe corrosion degradation environment and face difficulty in providing long-lasting corrosion protection. The Classification Societies recommend regular thickness measurements leading to structural component replacements, to ensure structural integrity during service life. The measurements are usually performed using ultrasonic thickness gauges and such an approach requires multiple measurements of the corroded structural components. Otherwise, the collected data are insufficient to precisely assess the corrosion degradation level. This study aims to perform numerical and experimental analyses to verify the use of guided ultrasonic waves in defining the corrosion degradation level of the corroded structural components of a ship. The study incorporates the fundamental antisymmetric Lamb mode, excited by piezoelectric transducers attached at the pre-selected points on stiffened panels, representing typical structural ship components. The specimens are exposed to accelerated marine corrosion degradation, the influence of the degree of degradation on the wave time of flight being analysed. The study indicates that guided waves are a promising approach for diagnosing corroded structural components. The signals characterised by a high signal-to-noise ratio have been captured, even for relatively long distances between the transducers. This proves that the proposed approach can be suitable for monitoring more extensive areas of ship structures by employing a single measurement.

The main objectives of the present study were the application and validation of the newly proposed Digital Image Correlation equivalent structural strain approach for assessing the low-cycle fatigue life of S235 welded joints. Low-cycle fatigue tests were performed at a displacement ratio of minus one. Experimental tests were performed using two different ways of controlling the displacement amplitude: applying traditional low-cycle fatigue tests at a constant amplitude and stepwise succession tests at increasing amplitudes. A comprehensive, independent experimental procedure, proposed by the authors and not yet validated for steel welded joints, was applied to assess the equivalent structural strain range using the Digital Image Correlation technique for the traditional low-cycle fatigue tests and stepwise succession tests at increasing amplitudes. It is noteworthy that the values of the DIC equivalent structural strain (ΔEs from the DIC), calculated on the external sides of the samples, were utilized to predict fatigue life in correlation with the ASME mean curve and fall within the ±3σ scatter bands (external bands). In particular, most of the tests lie within the ±2σ boundary of the design curves except for some tests at low applied displacements. Moreover, it was shown that this method is applicable to stepwise succession tests with increasing displacement amplitudes, leading to significant time savings compared to conventional experimental tests.

One important parameter for evaluating the safety and reliability of a ship is o the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures. Because of the importance of this parameter, its determination is essential. In this paper, a novel “two-step” approach for determining the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures is proposed. The main idea of two-step approach is to determine the dynamic ultimate load capacity based on the static ultimate load capacity after accounting for impacts that cause strain on the ship structures. This approach is based on nonlinear finite element method. Here, taking stiffened plate as a case study, the practical application of thus two-step approach is discussed in detail. The results of this approach reveal that the static ultimate load capacity decreases by less than 3% after a stiffened plate is subjected to an impact load whose amplitude corresponds to the dynamic ultimate load capacity. Then, the influence of the impact duration on the failure mode and the effect of the impact load cycles and the impact load sequence on the dynamic ultimate load capacity of the stiffened plate were investigated. Finally, the applicability of the two-step approach to a hull girder is demonstrated. The two-step approach and the conclusions presented in this paper can provide guidance for the evaluation of dynamic ultimate load capacity.

The study aims to develop an integrating risk-based formulation and cost-benefit analysis for identifying an optimal ship hull structural design solution where the steel cargo holds aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels to replace inner side shells. The risk of progressive structural failure includes hazards related to environmental pollution due to accidental fuel and oil spills, possible loss of cargo, crew members and ship during operations, and air pollution during shipyard construction and ship voyages. The structural failure incorporates progressive time-dependent structural degradation coupled with ship hull load-carrying capacity in predicting structural integrity during the service life. The ship hull structural failure and associated risk are estimated over the ship's service life as a function of the design solution. The carbon footprint and cost to mitigate the impact for the entire steel and hybrid ship hull structural solution implemented as a sustainable life cycle solution are analysed where the steel ship hull structure is built through primary construction. The cost of structural measures accounts for redesigning the ship structure and implementing aluminium honeycomb composite panels instead of steel plates, reducing steel weight, environmental pollution and cost and increasing the transported cargo and corrosion degradation resistance. It has been found that design solutions AHS1 and AHS2, in which aluminium honeycomb panels replace the inner steel shell plates, enhance the corrosion degradation resistance, and reduce the ship hull's lightweight, reflecting a better beta-reliability index at the time of the first repair with a lower repair cost and more transported cargo. The cost of the ship associated with the design solutions AHS1 and AHS2 is about 11% lower than the steel solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The position of the transverse bulkheads is the most important aspect in determining the internal subdivision of the ship and has a strong impact on the general arrangement, weight distribution and capacity of the ship. Nowadays, deterministic rules still apply to various types of ships such as gas carriers, naval ships, icebreakers, etc. For these vessels a new floodable length can be defined as the extent of the ship that can be flooded, still assuring compliance with the damage stability criteria. The main objective of this paper is using the floodable lengths to optimize the position of bulkheads. The proposed methodology maximises the margin between the floodable length and the actual flooded length, which consists of two lost contiguous compartments. This method, applicable in the framework of multi-attribute decision-making techniques for ship concept design, allows identification of the minimum number of bulkheads a ship requires, quantification, and maximisation of the safety margin for compliance with deterministic damage stability criteria. This margin ensures maximum flexibility for changes that may be required in the next design phases. The proposed method, based on a multi-stage optimization, is tested on a compressed natural gas carrier to define the minimum number and position of the transverse bulkheads dividing the cargo holds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art developments in health monitoring of marine structures. Monitoring the health of marine structures plays a key role in reducing the risk of structural failure. The authors establish the different sensors with their theoretical foundations and applications in order to determine the optimal position of the sensors on board. Once the data were collected, it was necessary to use for subsequent treatment; thus, the authors identified the different methodologies related to the treatment of data collected by the sensors. The authors provide a historical review of the location of different sensors depending on the type of ship and offshore platform. Finally, this review paper states the conclusions and future trends of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress concentrations typically exist around the perimeter of an opening and on attached structures, thereby resulting in a potential risk of crack initiation. Experimental and numerical methods on stress concentration distribution analysis can be applied in this study. This study reveals the differences in stress concentration distributions around various types of slots. Typical slots have been selected to discuss the influence on stress concentration distribution when the connections of flat bar and connection plate are considered. This concept is novel given the experiments conducted and finite element method (FEM) results found under complex loads. The FEM is used to compare calculated results with experimental data, and continuous plotting of numerical results can verify the outcomes. The results show the stress concentration distribution around the selected slot edge, where peak stress appears around the openings of different types of slots.

Ship's hull girder failure could result from maritime accident that can cause human life loss, environmental disaster, and major economic impacts. In risk-based ship design paradigm, accounting for rare phenomena (e.g. ship-ship collision or grounding) is important to provide safe and durable structure. In-service corrosion-induced hull degradation should be considered at the design stage, as it can significantly affect structural strength. The current study presents a novel framework to estimate the probability of ship hull girder failure, accounting for novel corrosion modelling techniques and accidental damage. The associated uncertainties are considered using statistical sampling from evidence-based distributions. A state-of-the-art deterministic model for ultimate strength calculation is applied using Monte Carlo simulation approach, resulting in the probability of hull failure through a reliability assessment. Wave and still-water bending moments are considered random variables. Two case studies of tanker ships with varying sizes are executed to show the applicability of the proposed framework. The results indicate that proper consideration of corrosion is of high importance, as ageing can significantly increase the probability of failure if accidental damage happens. Therefore, whereas future research and model refinement are discussed, the presented framework can serve for risk-based ship design tool and assess existing structures' safety. • Probabilistic framework for accidental hull girder failure is proposed. • Novel approach for corrosion degradation modelling is adopted. • Uncertainties due impact damage, corrosion degradation and acting loads are considered. • Deterministic ultimate strength assessment is leveraged by Monte Carlo method. • Importance of taking corrosion and uncertainties is shown in two tankers case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is one of the main failure modes in marine structures, and it is caused by the strong cyclic characteristics of the loads they support. This failure mode is amplified in areas of high stress concentration, such as at the intersection of primary and secondary elements. In this paper, a two-phase study is proposed that compares numerical and experimental results using a digital image correlation technique. The described procedure establishes selection, design, and scantling criteria and provides recommendations for the design of the transverse structure using specimens with different geometries. These geometries correspond to different designs for the transverse primary structure that use a longitudinal secondary stiffener with variable thickness and longitudinal spacing to transverse in a dynamic and quasi-static regime. The stress state for this regime is calculated based on the biaxiality indication concept, which uses the fatigue phenomenon (safety factor and sensitivity curves) and fracture mechanics (parameters of the Paris crack propagation law, correlation value, and law of variation of the stress intensity factor).

The present study reviews the recent advances in modelling and analyses the strength of corroded ship structures. Firstly, the time-variant methodologies that consider only the mean structural element thickness loss due to corrosion degradation are identified. Corrosion degradation is regarded as the phenomenon that causes uneven thinning of specimens. This has been captured by various researchers as the loss of mechanical properties of structural steel components. A review of the existing experimental and numerical studies shows significant interest in this field of study. The advances in modelling and analysis of structural behaviours of different ship structural components of larger sizes (including plates, stiffened plates and panels, and entire hull girders) are outlined. Research on the impact of general and pitting corrosion degradation is reviewed separately since the phenomena are different in terms of modelling and analysis. Additionally, recent advances concerning the reliability analysis of corroded ship structural components have also been reviewed. Finally, the general conclusions are drawn and future research topics are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to converting general cargo ship to cement carrier is analysed in the present study, emphasising the structural aspects of the conversion. A comprehensive re-appraisal of the conditions of the ship hull, considering her history and present condition of the structure, is provided. Two case studies are presented where the strength assessment has been performed using 2D sectional and 3D finite element models, generated according to the available hull drawings and thickness measurement reports. The results of the two studies are interpreted with respect to the structural modifications carried out during the conversion process, and some general conclusions are drawn.

The study aims to develop an integrating risk-based formulation and cost-benefit analysis for identifying an optimal ship hull structural design solution where the steel cargo holds aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels to replace inner side shells. The risk of progressive structural failure includes hazards related to environmental pollution due to accidental fuel and oil spills, possible loss of cargo, crew members and ship during operations, and air pollution during shipyard construction and ship voyages. The structural failure incorporates progressive time-dependent structural degradation coupled with ship hull load-carrying capacity in predicting structural integrity during the service life. The ship hull structural failure and associated risk are estimated over the ship’s service life as a function of the design solution. The carbon footprint and cost to mitigate the impact for the entire steel and hybrid ship hull structural solution implemented as a sustainable life cycle solution are analysed where the steel ship hull structure is built through primary construction. The cost of structural measures accounts for redesigning the ship structure and implementing aluminium honeycomb composite panels instead of steel plates, reducing steel weight, environmental pollution and cost and increasing the transported cargo and corrosion degradation resistance. It has been found that design solutions AHS1 and AHS2, in which aluminium honeycomb panels replace the inner steel shell plates, enhance the corrosion degradation resistance, and reduce the ship hull’s lightweight, reflecting a better beta-reliability index at the time of the first repair with a lower repair cost and more transported cargo. The cost of the ship associated with the design solutions AHS1 and AHS2 is about 11% lower than the steel solutions.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art developments in health monitoring of marine structures. Monitoring the health of marine structures plays a key role in reducing the risk of structural failure. The authors establish the different sensors with their theoretical foundations and applications in order to determine the optimal position of the sensors on board. Once the data were collected, it was necessary to use for subsequent treatment; thus, the authors identified the different methodologies related to the treatment of data collected by the sensors. The authors provide a historical review of the location of different sensors depending on the type of ship and offshore platform. Finally, this review paper states the conclusions and future trends of this technology.

An approach to converting general cargo ship to cement carrier is analysed in the present study, emphasising the structural aspects of the conversion. A comprehensive reappraisal of the conditions of the ship hull, considering her history and present condition of the structure, is provided. Two case studies are presented where the strength assessment has been performed using 2D sectional and 3D finite element models, generated according to the available hull drawings and thickness measurement reports. The results of the two studies are interpreted with respect to the structural modifications carried out during the conversion process, and some general conclusions are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the reliability assessment of a tanker ship hull structure subjected to a vertical bending moment and corrosion degradation. The progressive collapse and ultimate load carrying capacity are estimated based on experimentally tested scaled box-shaped-specimens. The translation of the strength estimate of the scaled specimen to the real tanker ship hull structure is performed based on the dimensional theory developing a step-wise linear stress-strain relationship. The load-carrying capacity is considered as a stochastic variable, and the uncertainties resulted from the scaled-specimen to the real-structure strength translation, and the subjected load of the real ship are also accounted for. A sensitivity analysis concerning the stochastic variables, included in the ultimate limit state function is performed. The partial safety factors, in the case of a scaled specimen and real structure, are also identified, and conclusions are derived.

Thin plates, which are widely used in ship structures, undergo weld-induced buckling distortions because of their lower critical buckling strength. Thus, there is a need for an active in-process distortion control mechanism in the welding involving thin plates. In this regard, a ThermoMechanical Tensioning (TMT) method was developed and implemented successfully. In the current work, experimental investigation of the effect of TMT pull on the resulting welding distortions is studied and also the TMT process is compared with a heat sinking technique. The experimental results indicate that an increase in the TMT pull would reduce the extent of weld-induced buckling distortions. The results also suggest that a complicated heat sinking technique can be effectively replaced by a TMT process in reducing the welding out-of-plane distortions. The concept of TMT is further extended to the fabrication of grillage structures used in ship structures, which includes longitudinal and transverse welds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reviews the recent advances in modelling and analyses the strength of corroded ship structures. Firstly, the time-variant methodologies that consider only the mean structural element thickness loss due to corrosion degradation are identified. Corrosion degradation is regarded as the phenomenon that causes uneven thinning of specimens. This has been captured by various researchers as the loss of mechanical properties of structural steel components. A review of the existing experimental and numerical studies shows significant interest in this field of study. The advances in modelling and analysis of structural behaviours of different ship structural components of larger sizes (including plates, stiffened plates and panels, and entire hull girders) are outlined. Research on the impact of general and pitting corrosion degradation is reviewed separately since the phenomena are different in terms of modelling and analysis. Additionally, recent advances concerning the reliability analysis of corroded ship structural components have also been reviewed. Finally, the general conclusions are drawn and future research topics are outlined.

In view of the varying characteristics of material properties, environmental conditions, and loading effects randomly with long time, the random and temporal characters of different variables should take into account when the structural reliability analysis methods are adopted to estimate the reliability of ship structures. Therefore, a time-variant reliability analysis method combined the out-crossing approach and the first-order reliability method is proposed. In this paper, the research is conducted on the time-variant feature of ship structures under the corrosive action according to the environmental testing data. Furthermore, the limit state function is derived based on the time-variant feature analysis results in which the strength and stress of ship structures are both regarded as variables with respect to time. Then, the time-dependent reliability model of ship structures is established based on this combined method, and the solving process of parameters in this model is illustrated. Finally, a case of a ship grillage structure under marine environment is given to prove that the proposed method has a good application in evaluating the reliability of ship structures. The comparison analysis using different methods is also conducted to study the accuracy and efficiency of this method.

Marine structures are advanced material and structural assemblies that span over different length scales. The classical structural design approach is to separate these length scales. The used structural models are based on classical continuum mechanics. There are multiple situations where the classical theory breaks down. Non-classical effects tend arise when the size of the smallest repeating unit of a periodic structure is of the same order as the full structure itself. The aim of the present paper is to discuss representative problems from different length scales of ship structural design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A probabilistic framework for corrosion estimation of ship structural components is shown. • The proposed framework uses a Bayesian inference and limited measurement data. • A novel approach for including measurement uncertainty is proposed. • Validation is made by comparison with the classical statistics and mass measurements. • The approach can potentially be used in the SHM of ship structures and reliability analysis. The work proposes a probabilistic-driven framework for enhanced corrosion estimation of ship structural components using Bayesian inference and limited measurement data. The new approach for modelling measurement uncertainty is proposed based on the results of previous corrosion tests that incorporate the non-uniform character of the corroded surface of structural components. The proposed framework's basic features are outlined, and the detailed algorithm is presented. Further, the proposed framework is validated by comparison with the classical statistical approach and mass measurements, considering previous experimental work results. Notably, the impact of the number of measuring points is investigated, and the accuracy index is proposed to identify the optimum number of measurements. The developed framework has a significant advantage over the classical approach since measuring uncertainty is incorporated. Additionally, the confidence intervals of both mean value corrosion depth and standard deviation could be gathered due to the probabilistic character of the framework. Thus, the presented approach can potentially be used in the structural health monitoring of ship structural components and reliability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented work shows a methodology for the ultimate strength assessment of a ship hull, considering enhanced corrosion modelling. The approach is based on the classical Smith method. However, the recent findings regarding the impact of corrosion degradation on ultimate strength are incorporated. To this end, the stress–strain relationships for particular elements composing ship hull cross-section are modified using a specially developed correction factor. The proposed approach is validated with experimental results of the corroded box girders available in the literature, showing very good agreement. Further, a case study of a VLCC tanker ship is presented, and a comparison between contemporary and enhanced corrosion degradation modelling in terms of resulting ultimate strength is presented. The results indicate that the currently used method may significantly overestimate the hull's structure capacity, especially considering the long exploitation period. Thus, current approaches lead to a non-conservative assessment of the ship hull girder's ultimate strength, potentially increasing the risk of failure. It is therefore recommended to further investigate the proposed method, especially in the context of risk-based ship design approaches and holistic maritime transportation risk management. • Novel approach to consider corrosion in ultimate strength check of ship hull is given. • Proposed method is validated with available experimental results showing good agreement. • The case study of VLCC tanker is analysed considering a classical and novel approach. • Current method significantly overestimates ultimate strength increasing failure risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ship structures are subjected to complex sea loading conditions, leading to a sophisticated structural design to withstand and avoid structural failure. Structural capacity assessment, particularly of the longitudinal strength, is crucial to ensure the safety of ships, crews, the marine environment, and the cargoes carried. This work aims to overview the ultimate strength assessment of intact ship structures in recent decades. Particular attention is paid to the ultimate strength of plates, stiffened panels, box girders, and entire ship hull structures. A discussion about numerical and experimental analyses is also provided. Finally, some conclusions and suggestions about potential future work are noted.

Aluminum superstructures and steel hull connections are of fundamental importance in ships. This study regards the buckling analysis of explosion welded joints, made of three layers (ASTM A516 low carbon steel, pure aluminium, A5086 aluminium alloy) and used in ship structures. Tensile and compressive tests were carried out on explosion welded specimens. The Infrared Thermography was used to detect the superficial temperature of the specimen during the tensile test and three phases of the temperature evolution were observed. The Digital Image Correlation technique was applied during the tests for the detection of displacement and strain fields. A theoretical analysis, considering the different materials was also performed for the analysis of buckling, which occurred during the compressive tests. Furthermore, a non-linear finite element analysis, considering the different mechanical properties of the explosive welded joint, was performed and was validated by means of the experimental results, obtained by the compressive tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental tests were carried out to assess the fatigue strength of four types of welded joints, made of AH36 steel and used for ship structures. The joints differ for the presence of weld defects and for the thickness value. Fatigue tests were carried out applying axial cyclic loads at a frequency of 20 Hz and at a stress ratio R = 0.5. The temperature e increment of the specimen surface was detected during the load application by means of an infrared camera. The analysis of the thermographic images allowed the assessment of both the fatigue strength of the welded joints, applying the rapid thermographic method, and the S-N curve by the energy approach. Moreover, 3D computed tomography was used for the analysis of the defective welded joints.

• Stochasticity in wave loading and randomness in fatigue related parameters are considered. • The fatigue crack growth problem is cast in a spectral probabilistic setting. • Uncertainty quantification is founded on a fatigue crack growth state equation. • The framework allows for estimating the probability of failure versus time and the fatigue life. Fatigue life estimation in ship structures is a very complex problem, because of the stochasticity in the wave loading experienced by the hull and the inherent variability in the material and geometric parameters. On an effort to quantify such aleatoric uncertainties, this work integrates in a novel setting the spectral approach to loading description into a probabilistic fatigue crack growth model. The proposed framework effectively models both the randomness in the experienced sea states and the corresponding random sequence of the sea states that are encountered by the ship and contribute to the fatigue accumulation. The spectral approach eventually allows for the construction of potential crack growth path instances from a single realization of an effective random stress range that is applied for a corresponding realization of number of cycles. The obtained bundle of stochastic crack paths is further used in order to perform reliability estimations in the entire life cycle. Initially the proposed method is presented formally and algorithmically and its application is demonstrated through a numerical case study of a cracked plate where we are interested in estimating its remaining useful life along with the time distribution of the probability of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to develop an efficient optimization technique to perform optimum designs which have given design spaces, discrete design values and several design goals. As optimization techniques, direct search method and stochastic search method are widely used in designing of ship structures. The merit of the direct search method is to search the optimum points rapidly by considering the search direction, step size and convergence limit. And the merit of the stochastic search method is to obtain the global optimum points well by spreading points randomly entire the design spaces. In this paper, Pareto Strategy (PS) multi-objective function method is developed by considering the search direction based on Pareto optimal points, the step size, the convergence limit and the random number generation. The success points between just before and current Pareto optimal points are considered. PS method can also apply to the single objective function problems, and can consider the discrete design variables such as plate thickness, longitudinal space, web height and web space. The optimum design results are compared with existing Random Search (RS) multi-objective function method and Evolutionary Strategy (ES) multi-objective function method by performing the optimum designs of double bottom structure and double hull tanker which have discrete design values. Its superiority and effectiveness are shown by comparing the optimum results with those of RS method and ES method.

In the paper has been discussed influence of stresses on general corrosion rate and corrosion pit nucleation rate and growth , whose presence has been questioned by some authors but accepted by most of them. Influence of roughness of pit walls on fatigue life of a plate suffering pit corrosion and presence of the so called „ non-damaging” pits which never lead to initiation of fatigue crack, has been presented. Possibility of prediction of pit-to-crack transition moment by two different ways, i.e. considering a pit a stress concentrator or an equivalent crack, has been analyzed. Also, influence of statistical distribution of depth of corrosion pits as well as anticorrosion protection on fatigue and corrosion fatigue has been described.

A procedure to simulate the non-linear behavior of explosion welded joints used for shipbuilding applications, starting only from hardness measurements, was developed. The explosion welded joints consist of three different materials: ASTM A516 structural steel, AA5086 aluminum alloy and an intermediate layer of pure aluminum. Three point bending tests were carried out on explosion welded joints with and without an initial notch. The Digital Image Correlation, which is a non-contact full-field technique, was applied in order to measure the displacement and strain patterns of the different metals during the bending tests. Non - linear finite element analyses were performed. The stress-strain curves of the materials, applied in the finite element model, were obtained using Ramberg Osgood type equations and considering the results of the micro-hardness measurements, which were correlated to the mechanical properties of the different materials. The finite element model was validated experimentally, comparing the results with the measurements obtained using the Digital Image Correlation technique. Furthermore, the procedure was extended to a specimen with an initial notch, for which the FE results were compared to the experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overload response of the stiffening frames in ship side structure due to ice loading is an important design consideration for ships operating in ice infested waters. By overload, we mean loads that are larger than assumed by the rules. Therefore, the response of ice strengthened grillage frames is investigated under a range of idealized rectangular pressure patches and by assuming different boundary conditions for the structural units. A flat, representative grillage of an ice-strengthened ship is considered and analysed using non-linear Finite Element Method. The response of the grillage frames is compared with the isolated frame response. Two frame types are considered: flatbars and L-frames. Finite element simulations revealed that patch length has strong effect on the frame deformation mode. The key characteristic that differentiates the response under shorter and longer patches is the longitudinal membrane stretching of the shell plating. Longer patches tend to suppress this deformation mode that leads to similar frame behaviour observed in isolated frame analysis. It is further shown that overload capacity of grillage frames reduces with increasing patch length to levels observed in isolated frame analysis. Analysis of plastic strain development in the frames and plating revealed that plastic strain localized faster in frames, but shell plating is more sensitive to patch height variations. This renders frames more susceptible to fracture than plating. Finally, the local failure mechanisms of the L-frames tend to diminish the load sharing capability and so negatively affects the overload behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to analyse the effect of structural damage and associated neutral axis translation and rotation of the residual load carrying capacity of a container ship hull subjected to asymmetrical bending loading. The assessment is performed by a finite element analysis (FEA) and a formulation based on the Common Structural Rules (CSR). A container ship is analysed in intact and damaged conditions. The position of the neutral axis of the mid-ship section of the container ship is identified at each load step based on FEA and CSR. An update to the progressive collapse approach stipulated by CSR is proposed and compared with the finite element solution. Finally, some conclusions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeycomb sandwich structures are increasingly used in the automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding industries where fuel savings, increase in load carrying capacity, vehicle safety and decrease in gas emissions are very important aspects. The aim of this study was to develop the theoretical methods, initially proposed by the authors and by other researchers for the prediction of low-velocity impact responses of sandwich structures. The developed methods were applied to sandwich structures with aluminium honeycomb cores and glass-epoxy facings for the assessment of impact parameters and for the prediction of limit loads. The values of model parameters were compared with data reported in literature and the predictions of the limit loads were validated by means of the experimental data. Good achievement was obtained between the results of the theoretical models and the experimental data. The failure mode and the internal damage of the sandwich panels have been investigated using 3D computed tomography, which allowed the evaluation of parameters of energy balance model, and infrared thermography, which allowed the detection of the temperature evolution of the specimens during the tests. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrated that the use of glass-epoxy reinforcement on aluminium honeycomb sandwiches enhances the energy absorption and load carrying capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this scientific work was to investigate the behaviour of cruciform welded joints under static loading using a full-field technique: Digital Image Correlation. The material curves, relative to different zones (base material, heat affected zone, weld), were obtained by hardness measurements, which were done by means of a fully automated hardness scanner with high resolution. This innovative technique, based on the UCI method, allowed to identify the different zones and to assess their different mechanical properties, which were considered in the finite element model. Finally the finite element model was validated experimentally, comparing the results with the measurements obtained using the Digital Image Correlation technique.

The paper is dedicated to enhance the industry practice in collision simulations of ship structures when only limited time and material data are available. The idea is to establish a simple, but effective procedure to determine the ‘critical failure strain’ as a function of coarse mesh sizes, so as to predict the critical energy to be absorbed during the impact. For this reason, more complicated effects, such as strain-state dependence, strain concentration on the lateral stiffening, welding, as well as accurate deformation mechanisms, are omitted. A new expression is introduced to estimate the failure strain of coarse meshed ship structures struck by an indenter with hemispherical shape where the ship side or bottom sustains local penetration during a bulbous bow collision or stranding. The expression is valid for mild and high strength steels, accounts for the size of the elements, and is derived from finite element simulations of coarse meshed plates punched until the onset of necking, which critical point is first determined by using fine meshed plates. This ‘simple’ criterion is validated against reported experiments of 3 stiffened plates and 6 double-hull structures quasi-statically punched by an indenter. For the 6 double-hull specimens evaluated here, the absorbed energy at the end of the impact event is predicted with sufficient accuracy when a coarse mesh of size 10 times the plate thickness is used (the difference is about 10%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important degradation effects of ship structures are corrosion and fatigue cracks. Both of these aging effects have clear consequences of increasing the level of stresses and degrading the strength of ship structures for almost all relevant failure modes. This study presents an overview of some recent developments on the aging effects on the ship structural integrity. The analysis of the thickness measurements has been undertaken to improve understanding of the corrosion degradation phenomena and to develop prediction models of aging effects suitable for practical applications in the ship structural design and analysis. The study also deals with the application of the non-linear finite element analysis as a suitable tool for a collapse assessment of uniaxially loaded plates and stiffened panels of ship structures weakened by non-uniform corrosion degradation and fatigue cracks. Experimental studies have also been reviewed to better understand the recently found degradation of mechanical properties of corroded steel, while theoretical calculations have been performed to evaluate consequences of such degradation on the ship structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this industrial experimental rolling, done in ArcelorMittal Galati in the Heavy Plate Mill is to check the correlation between mechanical properties and the microstructure of chemical compositions used in trial in order to reach through-thickness Z properties. First chemical composition is C_Mn steel with mechanical properties designed to reach at least 275 MPa on yield strength. The other chemical composition is based on Nb and Ti alloying elements with mechanical properties designed to be equal or higher than 360 MPa. In total, four slabs with 250 mm thickness were rolled. Two slabs with targeted plates thickness of 22.5 mm and 60 mm were used in trial per each chemical composition in order to check the thickness feasibility of targeted through-thickness Z properties.