Increased crashworthiness due to arctic conditions – The influence of sub-zero temperature

Offshore activities and shipping in arctic regions increased significantly in the past decade due to the expected natural resources and due to the upcoming advantages of the northern sea route. Hence, structural solutions used in arctic conditions need to resist the low temperatures at an adequate safety level. Therefore, this paper analyses the collision resistance of ships exposed to sub-zero temperature (SZT). Further, it assesses the influence of the material properties for 0, −30, −60 and −90 °C of typical shipbuilding steel. Thereby, the theoretical influence of SZT on the collision force will be presented as well as the potential gain from specially selected materials for SZT, arctic materials, compared to standard materials, both with and without the presence of rupture. As a result, the potential increase in crashworthiness of structures under SZT will be presented and thereby a contribution to safe arctic operations and transport.

► Structural response under impact loading considering sub-zero temperatures (SZT). ► Steel suitable for arctic conditions, 0, −30, −60 and −90 °C, is presented. ► SZT increases the structural safety level due to the materials higher energy absorption capacity.