Ship Fracture Mechanisms Investigation. Part 1
Abstract
This report presents results of a 3-year investigation conducted to review past research on fractures and existing fracture case studies, and to inspect new ship fractures in an effort to determine the modes of serious fractures in ship structures; to ship structures; to evaluate existing approaches to fracture control, and to suggest the applicable components of an approach to ship fracture control. Numerous on-site examinations of fractures and laboratory analyses of fracture samples were conducted. This report presents information on recent ship fractures occuring in the hull girder with various levels of severity. These include fatigue cracking and brittle fractures, and range from minor cracks to complete hull girder failures. These recent occurrences indicate that those who are concerned with ship structures cannot relegate brittle fracture to the past but must exercise extreme diligence to avoid not only major structural fractures but also the minor fatigue and nuisance cracks which often lead to major fractures if undetected or ignored. The authors concluded that ship fracture control is the responsibility of those who design, classify, build, operate, inspect and repair ship structures. Specific recommendations are directed to each of these groups and toward research required to develop a comprehensive fracture control approach through the development and validation of fracture mechanics techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA231442
Entities
People
- Karl A. Stambaugh
- William A. Wood