Use of localized necking and fracture as a failure criterion in ship collision analysis

This study explores the use of localized necking for failure modeling in maritime crash analysis, using large shell elements. The assumption that the failure of a large shell element occurs simultaneously with the onset of localized necking is revisited. This study particularly investigates the numerical implementation of the localized necking condition and its implications on the results of ship collision analysis involving not only plate rupture but also various failure mechanisms such as the crushing and tearing of web girders, stringers, and their intersections. Through a series of large-scale collision simulations, the effects of bending deformation on the initiation of necking, non-proportional loading paths, and ductile fractures not preceded by localized necking, are investigated. It is demonstrated that a localized necking-based fracture model provides a reasonable, relatively mesh-insensitive estimate of the onset of fracture in the outer hull panels; however, fracture propagation is very sensitive to the numerical implementation of the necking and fracture model, especially for the cases involving the crushing of web frames and stringers.     

基于模糊集合理论的船舶碰撞危险度模型

为了解决多船避碰决策过程中避让行动优先级问题,提出一种基于模糊集合理论的船舶碰撞危险度确定模型。选取最近会遇距离、最近会遇时间、船间距离、相对方位、船速比5个因素建立碰撞危险度影响因素集,并确定各因素评价集、评价指标以及各参数的隶属度函数,经模糊综合评价得到船舶碰撞危险度计算模型。设置两船交叉会遇以及多船交叉会遇2种会遇局面进行仿真实验,实验结果验证了该模型的有效性。     

船舶撞击弧形防撞装置模型试验及数值模拟方法研究

文章采用船舶撞击防撞装置模型试验与数值模拟对比分析的方法,验证了拱型桥梁新型弧形防撞装置结构碰撞计算模型的准确性。试验中采集4000t级1:100自航船模撞击防撞装置比例模型的碰撞力、撞击点挠度、弧形两端支反力三者的历程曲线作为数值模拟对比的依据。碰撞计算模型应用了一种新的基于ABAQUS用户子程序模块开发的动浮态计算方法,以及新的基于最小二乘法的混合数值-试验阻尼系数识别方法。通过对比发现,计算结果各参数曲线峰值与模型试验结果相差15%左右,其中碰撞力峰值点误差在10%以内,挠度和支反力峰值点误差在15%以内,对比的误差大小也反映了整个碰撞模型的准确程度,该误差可考虑为结构设计中评价依据或安全系数。     

基于驾驶实践的无人船智能避碰决策方法

[目的]为实现沿海无人驾驶船舶自主航行,充分考虑无人驾驶船舶智能避碰决策的合理性和实时性后,提出并建立一种基于驾驶实践的无人船智能避碰决策方法.[方法]首先,以本体论为基础,设计无人驾驶船舶航行态势本体概念模型,并结合《国际海上避碰规则》及良好的船艺将船舶航行态势量化划分为12种会遇场景;然后,从驾驶实践的角度改进影响...     

A simplified method to efficiently design steel fenders subjected to vessel head-on collisions

Steel fenders have been widely used to protect bridges from vessel collisions because of their relatively large plastic deformability and energy dissipation capacity. In the design of a steel fender, detailed finite element (FE) models are usually employed. However, detailed FE analysis involves complicated modeling and substantial computation time. This method is often not applicable, particularly during preliminary design iterations. For this reason, a simplified analytical method was developed in this paper with the aim to efficiently design steel fenders under vessel collisions. For primary individual members of steel fenders, the deformation mechanisms and models as well as participations during various collision scenarios were discussed in detail. By combining the contributions of primary members, a general analytical procedure was presented to rapidly estimate the force-deformation relationship of steel fenders under various bow impacts. For the fixed and floating steel fenders, several collision scenarios were simulated by FE models to verify the accuracy of the developed analytical method. The crushing resistances and energy dissipation capacities estimated by the developed analytical method were in good agreement with those obtained from the FE simulations. Based on the analytical method, an energy-based design approach was proposed for the efficient design of steel fenders. The developed design approach was demonstrated to be capable of predicting the crush depth and peak impact force of a steel fender with good accuracy.     

Experimental and numerical modelling of ductile crack propagation in large-scale shell structures

This paper presents a combined experimental–numerical procedure for development and calibration of macroscopic crack propagation criteria in large-scale shell structures. A novel experimental set-up is described in which a mode-I crack can be driven 400 mm through a 20(+) mm thick plate under fully plastic and controlled conditions. The test specimen can be deformed either in combined in-plane bending and extension or in pure extension. Experimental results are described for 5 and 10 mm thick aluminium and steel plates. By performing an inverse finite-element analysis of the experimental results where the simulated crack growth is forced to correspond to the experimental observations, empirical criteria for ductile crack propagation emerge very clearly. Using the experiments with edge crack specimens (ECS) in combined in-plane bending and extension, crack propagation criteria are developed for steel and aluminium plates, mainly as curves showing the critical element deformation versus the shell element size. These derived crack propagation criteria are then validated against a separate set of experiments considering centre crack specimens (CCS) which have a different crack-tip constraint. The applicability of the often-used equivalent strain criterion is discussed versus a more rationally based criterion which takes into account the stress tri-axiality. A large-scale grounding experiment is also simulated showing very good agreement with measurements. The performance of the proposed model is in general good and it is believed that the presented results and experimental–numerical calibration procedure can be of use in practical finite-element simulations of collision and grounding events with the use of shell elements. As discussed, the paper provides a clean framework for further development of macroscopic crack propagation criteria in large-scale plate structures.     

大型浮式结构物结构碰撞性能分析

碰撞事故是基于事故极限状态设计重点考虑的对象,在设计中越来越受到重视。文章以某大型浮式结构物为研究对象,总结分析ISO、API、HSE、DNV、ABS、BV、LR等标准及规范对碰撞场景的相关规定,提出碰撞分析场景及设计衡准;基于简化分析技术建立碰撞力学模型,利用动态非线性结构分析软件ABAQUS进行仿真分析,通过分析塑性应变、塑性变形、吸能、碰撞力及运动等,校核评估舷侧结构的耐撞性能;分析不同碰撞位置、撞击船型式等对碰撞性能的影响。研究表明:目标大型浮式结构物舷侧结构碰撞事故极限强度满足规范要求,首柱撞击相对比较危险,可作为计算分析控制工况。     

基于强化学习的自主式水下潜器障碍规避技术（英文）

Obstacle avoidance becomes a very challenging task for an autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV) in an unknown underwater environment during exploration process. Successful control in such case may be achieved using the model-based classical control techniques like PID and MPC but it required an accurate mathematical model of AUV and may fail due to parametric uncertainties, disturbance, or plant model mismatch. On the other hand, model-free reinforcement learning(RL) algorithm can be designed using actual behavior of AUV plant in an unknown environment and the learned control may not get affected by model uncertainties like a classical control approach. Unlike model-based control model-free RL based controller does not require to manually tune controller with the changing environment. A standard RL based one-step Q-learning based control can be utilized for obstacle avoidance but it has tendency to explore all possible actions at given state which may increase number of collision.Hence a modified Q-learning based control approach is proposed to deal with these problems in unknown environment.Furthermore, function approximation is utilized using neural network(NN) to overcome the continuous states and large statespace problems which arise in RL-based controller design. The proposed modified Q-learning algorithm is validated using MATLAB simulations by comparing it with standard Q-learning algorithm for single obstacle avoidance. Also, the same algorithm is utilized to deal with multiple obstacle avoidance problems.     

Prediction of design loads for deep water subsea lifting operations based on non-stationary time response

Two methodologies for the prediction of the design loads of deep water subsea lifting operations crossing resonance zones are presented. These methodologies are applicable to models that consider the influence of the payout speed on the dynamics of the operation, leading to a non-stationary time series for the dynamic forces on the system. The first model is based on running several random simulations of the same scenario and using these simulations as a sample in which statistical parameters are inferred. The second model uses a weighted least squares approach to predict a normalizing function that is used to evaluate the statistical parameters of the response. Both models are tested by considering the installation of a typical manifold in the Pre-Salt fields, in Brazil, and are able to predict the general form of the envelope of forces on the cable for various sea states and payout speeds. The models also provided similar results for the availability of the vessel after evaluating the weather window for this operation. Finally, the advantages of using the weighted least squares approach in comparison to the direct method are discussed, since it may considerably reduce the total number of simulations required to perform a real operation assessment, especially during preliminary design phases.     

Optimization of crashworthy marine structures

History shows that ferry and RoPax collisions with tankers can be devastating for human life. This paper follows up such a scenario to contribute to rational increase of safety of marine structures. Through the coupling of multi-objective structural optimization and crashworthiness analysis, a conventional tanker structure is optimized for higher collision tolerance, accounting for the change in hull mass, so that the increase in safety is efficient. Two new concepts, proposed here, are deemed necessary for the successful execution of this task: a ‘two-stage’ optimization approach, reducing the number of needed collision simulations, and a rapid collision simulation approach that utilizes coarse FE mesh and reduces calculation time. Combining the obtained results with the state-of-the-art knowledge, a new insight about crashworthy design of tanker structures is also realized.     

多船避碰决策理论与模型分析

考虑到多船避碰的影响因素众多,除考虑周围船舶的态势外,还需考虑风流等自然因素的影响,以及避碰规则的种种制约,为此,分析多船的会遇局面以及避碰的机理,充分考虑影响避碰的各个因素,运用静态非完全信息的博弈论建立多船避碰决策的数学模型.     

水介质对船冰碰撞结构响应的影响

以极地运输船舶艏部作为研究对象,建立基于流固耦合算法的船-水-冰耦合技术对三维船艏与冰体碰撞的结构响应问题进行了研究,结合非线性有限元软件LS-DYNA对比分析了考虑流固耦合(即有水介质)的船-水-冰碰撞模型和不考虑流固耦合(即无水介质)的船-冰碰撞模型与同质量不同速度的冰体发生碰撞下的结构响应问题,揭示了不同碰撞工况下船舶在损伤变形、碰撞力、速度等方面的变化特征及差异,同时阐述了水介质在船冰碰撞中的作用,可以为极地运输船舶的抗冲击结构设计提供参考。     

两船碰撞数值模拟的参数影响分析（英文）

In the present analysis, several parameters used in a numerical simulation are investigated in an integrated study to obtain their influence on the process and results of this simulation. The parameters studied are element formulation, friction coefficient, and material model. Numerical simulations using the non-linear finite element method are conducted to produce virtual experimental data for several collision scenarios. Pattern and size damages caused by collision in a real accident case are assumed as real experimental data, and these are used to validate the method. The element model study performed indicates that the Belytschko-Tsay element formulation should be recommended for use in virtual experiments. It is recommended that the real value of the friction coefficient for materials involved is applied in simulations. For the study of the material model, the application of materials with high yield strength is recommended for use in the side hull structure.     

Study on collision between two ships using selected parameters in collision simulation

In the present analysis, several parameters used in a numerical simulation are investigated in an integrated study to obtain their influence on the process and results of this simulation. The parameters studied are element formulation, friction coefficient, and material model. Numerical simulations using the non-linear finite element method are conducted to produce virtual experimental data for several collision scenarios. Pattern and size damages caused by collision in a real accident case are assumed as real experimental data, and these are used to validate the method. The element model study performed indicates that the Belytschko-Tsay element formulation should be recommended for use in virtual experiments. It is recommended that the real value of the friction coefficient for materials involved is applied in simulations. For the study of the material model, the application of materials with high yield strength is recommended for use in the side hull structure.     

Numerical and experimental motion simulations of nonsymmetric ship collisions

A calculation model to simulate nonsymmetric ship collisions, implying an arbitrary impact location and collision angle, is described in the paper. The model that is introduced is based on the time integration of twelve equations of motion, six for each ship. The motions of the ships are linked together by a mutual contact force. The contact force is evaluated as an integral over the surface tractions at the contact interface. The calculation model provides full time histories of the ship motions and the acting forces. Physical understanding of the underlying phenomena was obtained by a series of model-scale experiments in which a striking ship collided with an initially motionless struck ship. In this paper, numerical simulations of four nonsymmetric collisions are presented and the calculations are validated with the results of the experiments.     

Design of bridges against ship collisions

The paper outlines a rational design procedure for bridge piers and pylons against ship collision impacts. Firstly, a set of risk acceptance criteria are proposed. This is followed by a mathematically based procedure for calculation of the probability of critical ship meeting situations near the bridge, and the probability of ship collision accidents caused by human errors as well as technical errors. This first part of the paper leads to identification of the largest striking ship, “design vessels”, a given bridge pier must withstand without structural failure in order for the bridge connection to fulfil the risk acceptance criteria. The final part of the paper is devoted to an analysis of the needed impact capacity for the bridge pylons and piers exposed to ship bow impact loads from these “design vessels”. For a number of different ship types and different tonnage merchant vessels, load – displacement relations for ship bow collisions against rigid walls are derived. Based on these comprehensive numerical results, a new empirical relation is derived which is suited for design against bow collisions. This expression for maximum bow collision forces is compared with a previously published expression for ice-strengthened ships and with existing standards for assessment of bow crushing forces. It is shown that there is need for an update of these existing standards. For design of piers and pylons against local impact pressure loads, a pressure - area relation for bulbous bow impacts is derived.     

An elastic-plastic iceberg material model considering temperature gradient effects and its application to numerical study

To simulate the FPSO-iceberg collision process more accurately, an elastic-plastic iceberg material model considering temperature gradient effects is proposed and applied. The model behaves linearly elastic until it reaches the ‘Tsai-Wu’ yield surfaces, which are a series of concentric elliptical curves of different sizes. Decreasing temperature results in a large yield surface. Failure criteria, based on the influence of accumulated plastic strain and hydrostatic pressure, are built into the model. Based on published experimental data on the relationship between depth and temperature in icebergs, three typical iceberg temperature profiles are proposed. According to these, ice elements located at different depths have different temperatures. The model is incorporated into LS-DYNA using a user-defined subroutine and applied to a simulation of FPSO collisions with different types of iceberg. Simulated area-pressure curves are compared with design codes to validate the iceberg model. The influence of iceberg shape and temperature on the collision process is analyzed. It is indicated that FPSO structural damage not only depends on the relative strength between the iceberg and the structure, but also depends on the local shape of the iceberg.     

Impact scenario models for probabilistic risk-based design for ship–ship collision

A number of authors have proposed probabilistic risk based ship design for ship–ship collision, conditional to the local trading area of a vessel. The probability of collision and consequences are determined based on the traffic conditions in which a vessel is expected to operate. This paper investigates the adequacy of currently available models for impact scenarios, i.e. models linking the traffic conditions to the conditions at the moment of collision. An exploratory statistical model is presented to establish such a link. A probabilistic risk based design case study is performed for a fleet of RoPax vessels trading on a specified route in the Gulf of Finland. The available impact scenario models from the literature are compared with the developed probabilistic evasive maneuvering model. The results show that the impact scenario models have a very significant influence to the calculated hull breach probabilities. No well-justified impact scenario models are presently available and also the presented probabilistic evasive maneuvering model is burdened with uncertainty. Hence, to move toward a probabilistic risk based ship design paradigm for ship–ship collision in a local trading area, more focus and research is needed to establish a credible link.     

Influence of mesh size,stress triaxiality and damage induced softening on ductile fracture of large-scale shell structures

In this investigation, ductile fracture in stiffened and unstiffened panels is simulated employing the fracture criterion, which depends on the mesh size, stress state and damage induced softening. The aim of the study is to show that employed fracture criterion removes mesh size effects more efficiently than traditional fracture criteria adjusted only on the basis of uniaxial tension. Fracture model is implemented into Finite Element software ABAQUS using user-defined material, VUMAT-subroutine, available for shell elements. Mesh size sensitivity analysis is carried out. Finite element simulation results are validated with experimental measurements available in literature. Comparison of numerical and experimental results shows that simulations effectively capture most of the experimentally observed features, especially when considering different mesh densities. In most cases, mesh size effects are considerably reduced compared with the fracture criteria adjusted on the basis of a uniaxial tension.