Fatigue analysis of ship structures with hinged deck design by finite element method. A case study: Fatigue analysis of the primary supporting members of 4900 PCTC

In the design phase of a 4900 PCTC (Pure Car/Truck Carrier) with hinged deck design, fatigue behavior and fatigue life is investigated for various structural details. The global finite element analysis shows high local stress concentrations at the connections of various details. In this article, the detailed analysis of the investigation of fatigue analysis and fatigue life of the connection between the vertical side web and the main deck (deck 5) of the entire vessel is performed according to Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Rules. In order to achieve more accurate results, three types of finite element analysis (global finite element model, fine-mesh finite element model and stress concentration models) are hierarchically used. The investigation for finite element analysis for fatigue analysis is based on the approach using hot spot stresses.

► We perform fatigue analysis of supporting members of 4900 PCTC with hinged design.
► A detailed analysis to connection between vertical side web and deck 5 is performed.
► Hot spot stresses are used for the lifetime prediction.
► Typical steps for fatigue analysis of ship structures acc. to DNV rules are presented.
► Recommendations in order to improve fatigue life of ship structures are discussed.