Practical techniques for finite element modeling to simulate structural crashworthiness in ship collisions and grounding (Part I: Theory)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop practical techniques useful for FE modeling to simulate structural crashworthiness of ships in collisions or grounding. Approaches to define relevant FE mesh size, material stress'strain relationship, and critical fracture strain and also to deal with the dynamic effects related to dynamic yield strength, dynamic fracture strain, inertia, and frictions are addressed so that the crushing and rupture behavior in collisions and grounding can be analyzed efficiently and accurately in the FE simulations. Benchmark studies on material tensile coupon test specimen and a perforated plate under axial tension are undertaken for the simulation of the fracture behavior. In a separate paper, applications on the existing test structural models, which involve both crushing and fracture behavior, are shown by a comparison with the experimental results and the corresponding FE simulations to confirm the validity of the proposed methods.