A systematic approach towards the structural behaviour of a lightweight deck–side shell system

Journal article, 2005

Lightweight structures are increasingly used for high-speed ships. This paper presents a systematic approach to analyse the structural behaviour of a lightweight deck–side shell system using high strength steel. An analytical model of the deck–side shell system was first given, which includes the effects of stiffeners for the deck and side shell, the support conditions of the centreline girder (CL-girder), the influence of transverse beams, and the interaction between the side shell and the lightweight deck as parts of problems to the solution. By changing several geometric parameters, the sensitivity of both overall and local stress and deflection for the deck–side shell system was investigated. The different geometric parameters analysed comprise the influence for variation in the thickness of the web for transverse beams, longitudinal stiffeners and the CL-girder, the thickness of lower flange for the transverse beam and, the thickness for the panel. Furthermore, the influence of the lightweight deck and loads from the deck above on the side shell, the effects of the side shell and loads from top deck on the deck, the support conditions for the CL-girder, and the influence of deck loads on the eigenmodes were also analysed. By evaluating the results obtained from FE simulation, the support conditions of the CL-girder, the thickness of the panels and the lower flange of the transverse beams were found to be the most relevant parameters affecting both the stress and the deflection distribution of the structure. The dynamic characteristics of the structure were also analysed. The FE analysis concerning buckling of the structure was present. The results enable naval architects and structural engineers to design new extreme lightweight deck structure more reliable and economical. And some suggestions for future research are also given.