Transverse ultimate capacity of U-type stiffened panels for hatch covers used in ship cargo holds

Due to cargo loads or weather loads above decks and elastic deformations of the ship's hull, hatch covers will subject to transverse loads. However, the existing formulas for transverse ultimate capacity evaluation are not applicable to U-type panels due to a higher rotation constraint. This paper is to find an accurate evaluation method of transverses ultimate capacity for U-type stiffened panels, in order to know about its true safety margin. One hundred and five U-type stiffened panels are designed to cover the common scope of plate aspect ratio alpha and plate slenderness ratio beta in hatch cover structures. Based on the nonlinear FE calculations, the critical factors are analyzed, and then a simple formula is proposed, which can be used to predict transverse ultimate capacity. At last, it is proved that the U-type stiffener will have a great influence on the light-weight design compared with common stiffeners of open profile.

Automated summary

This research aims to find an accurate evaluation method of transverse ultimate capacity for U-type stiffened panels and proposes a simple formula to predict the ultimate capacity. It is also proven that U-type stiffeners have a significant impact on lightweight design compared to common stiffeners of open profile.