Collaboration to develop knowledge in ship hull structural dynamics

SSPA has developed techniques for analysis of ship hull structural dynamics over several years, i.e. analysis of the structural response due to wind and wave loads. In an article published in the International publication Ship & Offshore, issue 4/2020, our experts describe how we decided to share this information and join forces with our partners Stena, Chalmers University of Technology and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) to develop knowledge.

Merchant vessels are getting bigger and bigger, but what if their weight and the amount of steel required to build them could be reduced? It may be possible to optimise the design to reduce the weight and quantity of steel and thereby lower the cost of building and operating the ship. This will make transports more energy efficient and reduce the environmental impact on the sea and might also lead to reduced costs for the shipowners when building the ship. The maritime experts needed more knowledge to ensure that lighter hulls satisfy requirements in terms of strength, sea characteristics, environmental requirements and maritime safety.

The research resulted in an accurate model testing technique, know-how to carry out this kind of model testing and insights into possibilities to develop further important techniques to support this important area of technology.

- “SSPA aims to continue joint research efforts and knowledge-sharing to continue to be a driving part of the build-up of knowledge to support commercial partners, regulatory bodies and the transportation business as a whole”, says Olov Lundbäck, Ph.D. Specialist, Simulations & Algorithms at SSPA.

Link to Ship & Offshore, issue 4/2020 www.shipandoffshore.net/publications (subscription is needed.)

Read the full article Tailored model tests for hull structural dynamics 

Illustration

Stena's concept vessel Stena Elektra was chosen as the model vessel. Our experts tested the hull with the correct model scale stiffness for a lightweight, energy-efficient hull to make battery propulsion feasible.