The influence of the material relation on the accuracy of collision simulations

The non-linear finite element method is widely used to simulate marine structures subjected to collisions. Furthermore, common to all non-linear finite element simulations is the need to implement the non-linear material behaviour including failure. However, the influence of the material relation on the accuracy of numerical results is not presented in detail in the present literature even though different material relations are used. Additionally, the material relation needs to include an appropriate criterion for treating the occurrence of fracture within the marine structure. Thereby, the crash resistance until inner hull failure should be predicted reliable and realistic. Therefore, this article seeks to describe the common choice of a material relation and compares this with a recent finite element-length dependent material relation based on optical measurements. As a result, this comparison gives an insight into the influence of the material relation on the accuracy of non-linear finite element simulations. Hence, this comparison can support the future use of an appropriate material relation for collision simulations.