Fatigue Assessment of Aluminum Ship Details by Hotspot Stress Approach

Abstract

This paper presents a robust methodology for fatigue assessment of aluminum ship details using a hotspot stress range approach. A series of fatigue tests of a typical aluminum ship detail was carried out to obtain a design S–N curve. The test detail was analyzed by the finite element method using several modeling techniques and element types. The results from both experimental tests and finite element analysis are discussed. Recommendations on the procedure of fatigue assessment of aluminum ships including S–N curve to be used are also presented.