Fatigue testing of large scale details of a large size aluminium surface effect ship

The paper presents the results of two large scale fatigue tests on a detail of an aluminium surface effect ship. The overall dimensions of the specimens were: length 4.8 m, height 3.2 m and width 1.5 m (equal to the main frame spacing). The specimens consist of an aluminium structure of welded plates (thicknesses up to 20 mm).

Fatigue damage in the expansion joints of SS ROTTERDAM

After 38 years of satisfactory service the Holland-America line sold her flagship "ss ROTTERDAM". Although promised to Lloyds, studies and tests made during construction on the expansion joints were never published. This PRADS '98 conference is a good occasion to report on these now. Moreover, the behaviour is placed in the light of an fatigue...

X-joints in composite sandwich panels

The small structural weight of fast large ships such as fast mono hulls or catamaran type of ships is of extreme importance to their success. One possible light weight structural solution is the sandwich panel with fibre reinforced laminates and a balsa, honeycomb or foam core. A severe obstacle for applying such panels is the design and...

Some considerations on design of ship structures and materials