Effect of Fracture on Crushing of Ship Structures

Abstract

This paper is concerned with loads and energy absorption during crushing of ship structures. Particular focus is on the effect of fracture of welds or parent material on the energy absorption of typical structural subassemblies of ships during deep collapse. The paper presents experiments and theories on the crushing response of typical strength elements. The theories are derived for an infinitely ductile material response and then consistently modified to include the effect of fracture. Theoretical formulas are compared with results of large-scale experiments performed at the Technical University of Denmark. The experimental series included 24 × and T aluminum and steel specimens scaled according to geometrical similarity and with a plate thickness varying between 2 and 20 mm. Theories and experiments demonstrate that the effect of fracture may be very significant for the loads and energy absorption in axial crushing of typical ship structural components. This effect of fracture has been neglected in previously published studies of bow crushing mechanics.