Swage Panel SVR Rule Development

Objective:

This project expands upon the successfully completed NSRP panel and RA projects which researched, tested and analyzed the use of swage panels (versus stiffened panels) on ships – which have significant cost advantages in both manufacture and maintenance.  The outcome of this project will be comprehensive design guidance specific to the use of swage panels in load bearing applications that will be incorporated into the ABS Steel Vessel Rules (ABS SVR), similar to what is found for traditionally stiffened structures in ABS SVR 3-2-11 (Hull Structure and Arrangements: Superstructures, Deckhouses and Helicopter Decks). It is intended that the new rules will be in place to allow swage panels to be included in the design of the Navy Auxiliary Ship,T-AO(X).

Summary:

The project will be divided into three phases. Each phase will consist of six physical tests combined with both linear and non-linear analysis. The follow tasks will be accomplished:

• Determination of what caused the discrepancies between the physical tests and numerical analyses found during the previous Swage Bulkhead Analysis project.
• Extend the work of the previous NSRP swage projects to include the effects of smaller, easier to manufacture swages on overall panel performance.
• Develop a large-scale, 2D model of a vessel superstructure that will incorporate swage panel in load-bearing applications.
• Develop swage bulkhead design guidance and rules for incorporation into the ABS Steel Vessel Rules

Point of Contact:

Jessica Green, GD-NASSCO