Swage Panel SVR Rule Development

Objective:

This project expanded upon the successfully completed NSRP panel and RA projects which researched, tested and analyzed the use of swage panels (versus angle-stiffened panels) on ships – which have significant cost advantages in both manufacture and maintenance.  The outcome of this project was comprehensive design guidance specific to the use of swage panels in load bearing applications, to 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).  The actual rule change will be undertaken by ABS as a separate effort in September 2019.  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 was divided into three phases, each consisting of six physical tests combined with both linear and non-linear analysis. The follow tasks were accomplished:

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

The project was suspended in December 2018, then restarted in September 2019 to align final rule development with the ABS rule development timeline.  In the restarted effort, ABS completed their review of the draft Proposed Rule Change (PRC), addressed all comments, and initiated publication of the final PRC.

Point of Contact:

Jessica Skogberg | General Dynamics NASSCO | jessica.skogberg@nassco.com