A numerical method for analysing the responses of cargo containment system of an LNGC under iceberg collision

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the rapid development of Arctic route and increasing requirement of LNG resource, the ice-breaking LNGC becomes potential due to short transportation period and low cost. The new ship type brings a demand for the comprehensive safety assessment of cargo containment system (CCS), where the ice load should be further considered. In this study, a numerical method is proposed to investigate the responses of LNGC’s CCS under iceberg collision. Firstly, an LNGC model considering the stiffness contribution of CCS is used to study the iceberg collision scenarios. Subsequently, a refined CCS model coupled with the inner hull structure is proposed. The mechanical connection forms between CCS and inner hull structure are considered. Then the responses of insulation box, coupler and mastic ropes are analysed. The results show that this numerical method can accurately simulate the iceberg-ship collision process and efficiently analyse the responses of each CCS component.