FEM approach to the simulation of collision and grounding damage

Recently, finite element detailed simulations of collision and grounding damage to the hull structures have been practicable. For example, rigid body motions and non-linear structural responses can be calculated by a desk-top engineering workstation within a CPU time of one week, employing finite element models assembled by more than 700,000 elements. Although considerable preparatory man-power is required and the accuracy of the results is still open for further improvement, finite element method approach is the most powerful way at present. On the other hand, simplified analytical approach is suited for a series of qualitative survey, however, it tends to be erroneous when the subject is varying from the fundamental assumptions laid originally for the specific case. The present paper points out several uncertain factors involved in the typical simplified analytical approach such as hull girder bending, forward velocity of a collided ship, etc., that may affect the crashworthiness significantly. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.