Finite element analysisFinite

Element
Analysis

Consulting

DS has extensive
experience with Finite
Element (FE) Analysis.

Vibration and strength analysis

based on finite element (FE)
model calculations requires
substantial experience and indepth understanding of marine
structures.
Lloyds Register Consulting
offers state-of-the-art FE tools
for marine applications.

The establishment of an
FE model based on
structural plans, size and
position of

elements is an area where

the experience and
understanding of marine
structures is essential.
Today, DS is one of the
most respected independent
consulting companies in the
world with state-of-the-art FE
tools for marine applications.

Passenger Ferry

Container Ship

Fast Ferry

Bulk Carrier

Supply Vessel

Reefer/Container Vessel

Features
local analysis
global analysis
natural frequency calculations
response analysis
strength assessment
fatigue assessment
coupled fluid-structure interaction
(FSI).
Applications
vibration prediction
troubleshooting
foundation impedance
vibration levels and resonances
hull integrity (strength and fatigue life)
comfort (slamming)
performance.
The FE analysis is a powerful tool for
assessing vibration levels and structural
resonances, strength assessment and
fatigue life. FE analysis builds on

Features
Local Analysis
Global Analysis
Natural Frequency
Calculations
the simple concepts of linearisation,
Response Analysis

Trailer Ferry

Applications
Vibration Prediction
Troubleshooting
Foundation Impedance

discretisation and interpolation. The

infinite number of degrees of freedom in
a continuous system is reduced to a finite
representation well suited for numerical
analysis.

it is important to analyse the dynamical

behaviour of the structure. A single
model including all the elements and
characteristics of the ship would be
very complex, so separate analyses are
normally carried out for global- and local
structures.

Marine applications
FE analyses can be used specifically on
marine structures to:
Control ship vibrations and keep them
at acceptable levels
Avoid vibration problems on
newbuildings
Perform troubleshooting
Assess hull integrity in terms of
strength and fatigue.

Global strength analysis

The objective of a strength assessment
is to validate maximum stresses present
at specified by class hogging, sagging and
heal conditions. Fatigue assessment
is to verify fatigue life of longitudinal end
connections and/or in-depth investigation
of selected structural details.

The objective of a vibration study is to

achieve a combination of excitation
sources and structure that will meet the
specification requirements. To identify
and resolve the problems of vibration,

Global vibration analysis

Natural frequencies and corresponding
mode shapes of the entire ship are
calculated and checked for resonance
with the excitation frequencies of the
main sources of vibration (propeller and

Working together
for a safer world

machinery). If the natural frequencies

coincide with the excitation frequencies,
there is a risk of resonance problems.
Local vibration analysis
Local analyses are usually carried out
during the design stage in order to
minimise vibration problems and future
modifications of the structure. Natural
frequency calculations should be carried
out for carefully selected local structural
element. Typical and critical stiffened
deck panels should be given priority.
Forced response analysis
In order to check that the vibration
levels on board the ship comply with the
requirements, damping is introduced and
excitation forces are applied to the
model.
The damping values introduced in the
calculations are derived from an empirical
model and are thus based on experience
acquired from measurements on a large
number of ships.
Shaft analysis
Torsional and lateral analysis of the
drivetrain is crucial to ensure reliability.
Detailed analysis can also be required to
prevent vibration problems in the ship
structure.
Tools
We use state-of-the-art tools for FE
analysis, including ANSYS and Ideas.

Furthermore, we have developed an inhouse FE code for special applications.

With these tools we can use nonstandard
methods, e.g.:
quality mesh generation
automated hull meshing
modelling of structural-hydrodynamic
interaction
submodelling techniques
super elements
master degrees of freedom
contact elements
plastic and nonlinear elements
topological optimisation
stochastic loading.
Special assignments requiring tailor-made
tools can be performed on existing
models by importing data from most
commercial FE codes.
Verification
Lloyds Register Consulting can perform
modal excitation measurements on global
and local marine structures to verify the
vibration calculation results. We primarily
use the FE method for design verification
and troubleshooting.

Why Lloyds Register

Consulting
World-leading discipline expertise
and personnel
Global presence and fast response
time
More than 30 years of experience
Resources and personnel to
manage your asset through design,
commissioning, and operation
Commercial independence from
vendors and contractors
State-of-the-art numerical and
analytical tools
Purpose built methods
Worldwide technical network of
universities and other knowledge
providers.
We reinvest a substantial portion
of our turnover in research and
development to ensure that our
customers receive the best value for
their investment in our services.

It is our experience that many vibration

problems can be avoided or resolved
by the correct use of FE analysis and
correlation with measurements on the
physical structures where it is possible.
However, it should be emphasised that
the FE method is just one of many tools.

To find out more about how we can help you please visit us at:
www.lr.org/consulting or contact us at info.consulting@lr.org

www.lr.org
March 2014
Lloyds Register and variants of it are trading names of Lloyds Register Group Limited, its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Copyright Lloyds Register Group Services Limited. A member of the Lloyds Register group.