Influence of different wave load schematisation on global ship structural response

Journal article, 2019

Today, Classification societies cover all the aspects about linear static finite element (FE) analysis through different design guidelines that help structural designers to streamline the design process and make Rule-requested structural verification of the proposed design. Structural modelling aspects are well defined, but for the wave load modelling some questions arise. Wave pressure distribution can be defined using direct wave calculations (e.g. the panel method) or using the Rule formulae definition. This paper presents a benchmark study carried out by the ISSC2018 Committee II-1 Quasi-Static Response. The objective was to investigate and compare alternatives to discretise and implement Rule-defined wave loads from classification societies on global FE models, and its impact on the global structural response. Results from calculations are presented on two ship types. Findings highlight the importance of identifying the lowest level of simplification in order to capture physical phenomena while minimising errors and inaccuracy in direct structural analyses results.