Direct strength evaluation of the structural strength of a 500 cbm LNG bunkering ship

Abstract

The present paper describes a general procedure of the structural safety assessment for the independent type C tank of LNG bunkering ship. This strength assessment procedure consists of two main scheme, global Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model primarily for hull structure assessment and detailed LNG Tank structures FEA model including the cylindrical tank itself and saddle-support structures. Two kinds of mechanism are used, fixed and slides constraints in fore and rear of the saddle support structures that result in a variation of the reaction forces. Finite Element (FE) analyses have been performed and verified by the strength acceptance criteria to evaluate the safety adequacy of yielding and buckling of the hull and supporting structures. The detail of FE model for an LNG type C tank and its saddle supports was made, which includes the structural members such as cylindrical tank shell, ring stiffeners, swash bulkhead, and saddle supports. Subsequently, the FE buckling analysis of the Type C tank has been performed under external pressure following International Gas Containment (IGC) code requirements. Meanwhile, the assessment is also performed for yielding and buckling strength evaluation of the cylindrical LNG tank according to the PD 5500 unfired fusion welded pressure vessels code. Finally, a complete procedure for assessing the structural strength of 500 CBM LNG cargo tank, saddle support and hull structures have been provided.