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RULES FOR CLASSIFICATION

Ships
Edition July 2021

Part 3 Hull
Chapter 7 Finite element analysis

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FOREWORD

DNV rules for classification contain procedural and technical requirements related to obtaining and
retaining a class certificate. The rules represent all requirements adopted by the Society as basis
for classification.

© DNV AS July 2021

Any comments may be sent by e-mail to rules@dnv.com

This service document has been prepared based on available knowledge, technology and/or information at the time of issuance of this
document. The use of this document by other parties than DNV is at the user's sole risk. Unless otherwise stated in an applicable contract,
or following from mandatory law, the liability of DNV AS, its parent companies and subsidiaries as well as their officers, directors and
employees (“DNV”) for proved loss or damage arising from or in connection with any act or omission of DNV, whether in contract or in tort
(including negligence), shall be limited to direct losses and under any circumstance be limited to 300,000 USD.
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CHANGES – CURRENT

Part 3 Chapter 7 Changes - current

This document supersedes the July 2020 edition of DNVGL-RU-SHIP Pt.3 Ch.7.
The numbering and/or title of items containing changes is highlighted in red.

Changes July 2021, entering into force 1 January 2022

Topic Reference Description

Rebranding to DNV All This document has been revised due to the rebranding of DNV
GL to DNV. The following have been updated: the company
name, material and certificate designations, and references to
other documents in the DNV portfolio. Some of the documents
referred to may not yet have been rebranded. If so, please see
the relevant DNV GL document. No technical content has been
changed.

Editorial corrections
In addition to the above stated changes, editorial corrections may have been made.

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CONTENTS

Part 3 Chapter 7 Contents

Changes – current.................................................................................................. 3

Section 1 Finite element analysis........................................................................... 6

1 General................................................................................................ 6
1.1 Introduction..................................................................................... 6
1.2 Calculation methods..........................................................................6
1.3 Load scenarios................................................................................. 6
2 Net scantling....................................................................................... 6
2.1 Net scantling application....................................................................6
3 Finite element types............................................................................ 7
3.1 Used finite element types.................................................................. 7
4 Documentation.....................................................................................7
4.1 Reporting.........................................................................................7
5 Computer programs............................................................................. 8
5.1 Use of computer programs................................................................ 8
6 Alternative procedures........................................................................ 8

Section 2 Global strength analysis.......................................................................... 9

1 General................................................................................................ 9
1.1 Introduction..................................................................................... 9
2 Structural model.................................................................................. 9
2.1 General........................................................................................... 9
3 Loading conditions...............................................................................9
3.1 General........................................................................................... 9
4 Analysis criteria................................................................................. 10
4.1 General..........................................................................................10
4.2 Yield strength................................................................................. 10
4.3 Buckling strength............................................................................10
4.4 Fatigue strength............................................................................. 10

Section 3 Partial ship structural analysis.............................................................. 11

1 General.............................................................................................. 11
1.1 Definitions......................................................................................11
1.2 Introduction................................................................................... 11
1.3 Application..................................................................................... 11
2 Partial ship structural model............................................................. 12
2.1 General..........................................................................................12

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2.2 Cargo hold structural model............................................................. 12

Part 3 Chapter 7 Contents

3 Loads and loading conditions............................................................ 12
3.1 General..........................................................................................12
3.2 Internal and external loads.............................................................. 13
3.3 Hull girder loads............................................................................. 13
4 Analysis criteria................................................................................. 14
4.1 Evaluation areas............................................................................. 14
4.2 Yield strength assessment............................................................... 14
4.3 Buckling strength assessment.......................................................... 18

Section 4 Local structural strength analysis......................................................... 19

1 Objective and scope.......................................................................... 19
1.1 General..........................................................................................19
2 Structural modelling.......................................................................... 19
2.1 General..........................................................................................19
3 Load combinations............................................................................. 20
3.1 General..........................................................................................20
3.2 Application of loads and boundary conditions......................................20
4 Analysis criteria................................................................................. 20
4.1 Reference stress............................................................................. 20
4.2 Acceptance criteria..........................................................................20

Changes – historic................................................................................................ 22

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SECTION 1 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 1

1 General

1.1 Introduction
This chapter describes modelling techniques, loads, acceptance criteria and required documentation for finite
element(FE) analysis. See Ch.4 Sec.8 for definition of loading conditions and Pt.5 for ship type application
when required.

1.2 Calculation methods

1.2.1 The rules cover four levels of finite element analysis (FEA):
a) Global direct strength analysis, to assess hull girder strength and to give correct boundary conditions to
partial ship structural models and/or local FE models, when applicable.
b) Partial ship structural analysis, to assess the strength of longitudinal hull girder structural members,
primary supporting structural members and bulkheads.
c) Local structure analysis, to assess local stress levels for ultimate limit state (ULS).
d) Very fine mesh analysis, to assess the local structural details for fatigue limit state (FLS), as described in
Ch.9.
a) to c) are described in Sec.2 to Sec.4.
The objectives of the analyses together with their applicable acceptance criteria are described in Sec.2 to
Sec.4.

1.2.2 For structures such as hatch covers, ramps etc., it will in general be sufficient to carry out a direct
frame and girder analysis as described in Ch.6 Sec.6 [2].

1.3 Load scenarios

1.3.1 The calculations shall be based on the most severe realistic loading conditions for the ship, for
instance:
— fully loaded
— partly loaded
— ballasted
— during loading/discharging.

1.3.2 General design loads are given in Ch.4 and FE design load combinations for the different ship types are
given in Pt.5.

2 Net scantling

2.1 Net scantling application

FE models for ships with class notation ESP shall be based on the net scantling as defined in Ch.3 Sec.2
Table 1. Otherwise, gross scantlings shall be used in FE models.
Buckling capacity assessment shall be based on net scantling as defined in Ch.3 Sec.2 Table 1.

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Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 1
3 Finite element types

3.1 Used finite element types

3.1.1 The structural assessment shall be based on linear finite element analysis of three dimensional
structural models.

3.1.2 Two node line elements and four node isotropic shell elements are, in general, considered sufficient
for the representation of the hull structure. The mesh requirements given in this chapter are based on the
assumption that these elements are used in the finite element models. However, higher order elements may
also be used. The types of finite elements to be used are given in the DNV-CG-0127 Sec.1.

3.1.3 Anisotropic elements may be used to obtain a more accurate stress distribution in the element model,
e.g. for slender plate panels with high utilization in transverse direction. The anisotropic material model shall
represent the reduced membrane/Poisson stiffness of geometrically imperfect plating and the properties shall
be determined in accordance with DNV-CG-0128 App.A [1.6] and with the following imperfection factor:
X = 0.1
The following structure shall always be modeled with isotropic material properties:
— web of primary supporting members
— tight boundaries inside double skin construction as tight stringers, tight floors or tight girders
— corrugations
— stiffeners
— for local structural analysis, shell elements within a distance not less than b from the area of consideration
— for very fine mesh analysis, shell elements within a distance not less than b from the considered hot spot.

3.1.4 For structures subjected to high temperature gradients i.e. exceeding 100°C, it may be necessary
to include thermal stresses in the FE analysis. For carbon-manganese steels subjected to temperatures
2
exceeding 100°C, the effective yield strength in N/mm as given in Pt.6 Ch.1 Sec.12 [3.3] shall be used. See
also Pt.6 Ch.1 Sec.12 with respect to requirements to structures for high temperature cargo.

3.1.5 If materials other than steel are used as effective load carrying members, e.g. aluminium, composites
or glass windows, such materials may be included in the FE model by anisotropic materials. The material
properties shall be defined on a case by case basis.

4 Documentation

4.1 Reporting
4.1.1 When direct strength analyses are submitted for information, such analyses shall be supported by
documentation satisfactory for verifying results obtained from the analyses.

4.1.2 The documentation for verification of input shall contain a complete set of information to show
the assumptions made and that the model complies with the actual structure. The documentation of
the structure may be given as references to drawings with their drawing numbers, names and revision
numbers. Deviations in the model compared with the actual geometry according to these drawings shall be
documented.

4.1.3 The modelled geometry, material parameters, plate thickness, beam properties, boundary conditions
and loads shall be documented preferably as an extract directly from the generated model.

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4.1.4 Reaction forces and displacements shall be presented to the extent necessary to verify the load cases

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 1

considered.

4.1.5 The documentation of results shall contain all relevant results such as:
— type of stress (element/nodal, membrane/surface, normal/ shear/equivalent)
— magnitude
— unit
— load case
— name of structure
— structural part presented
— evaluation of the results with respect to the acceptance criteria.

5 Computer programs

5.1 Use of computer programs

5.1.1 In general, any computation program recognised by the Society may be employed for structural
assessment according to these rules provided the software combines effects of bending, shear, axial and
torsional response.

5.1.2 A computer program that has been demonstrated to produce reliable results to the satisfaction of the
Society is regarded as a recognised program. Where the computer programs employed are not supplied or
recognised by the Society, full particulars of the computer program, including example calculation output,
shall be submitted. It is recommended that the designers consult the Society on the suitability of the
computer programs intended to be used prior to the commencement of any analysis work.

6 Alternative procedures
Procedures other than those outlined in the rules and associated class guidelines issued by the Society may
be accepted on a case by case basis.

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SECTION 2 GLOBAL STRENGTH ANALYSIS

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 2

1 General

1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 A global FE analysis covers the whole ship and may be required if the structural response of the hull
girder cannot otherwise be sufficiently determined, e.g. for ships:
— with large deck openings subjected to overall torsional deformation and stress response, as for container
ships
— without or with limited transverse bulkhead structures over the vessel length, as for Ro-Ro vessels and car
carriers
— with partly effective superstructure and/or partly effective upper part of hull girder, as for large passenger
vessels (L > 150 m).
Specific requirements for different hull shapes and ship types are given in Pt.5, including required scope for
ultimate limit state (ULS) and fatigue limit state (FLS) analysis.

1.1.2 Global analyses are generally to be based on load combinations that are representative with respect to
the responses and failure modes to be evaluated, e.g. yield, buckling and fatigue.

1.1.3 The objective of the global strength analysis shall obtain a reliable description of the overall hull girder
stiffness and to calculate and assess the global stresses and deformations of all primary hull members.
Depending on the ship shape and applicable ship type notation, the scope of the global FE analysis is in
general to assess and verify compliance with relevant criteria in [4] and Pt.5.

2 Structural model

2.1 General
2.1.1 The global FE model shall extend over the complete ship length, depth and breadth, and represent the
actual geometry of the vessel with acceptable accuracy. All main structure contributing or partly contributing
to the hull girder strength including all primary supporting members, transverse members, i.e. watertight
bulkheads, non-watertight bulkheads, cross deck structures and transverse webs, shall be included in the
model.
The omission of minor structures may be acceptable on the condition that the omission does not significantly
change the stress response of the structure.

2.1.2 Modelling
The mesh size, model idealisation and boundary conditions to be as described in the DNV-CG-0127 Sec.2.
Additional modelling requirements are given in Pt.5 and in the Society's class guidelines for the relevant ship
types.

3 Loading conditions

3.1 General
The selection of loading conditions and the application of loads will depend on the scope of the analysis. For
required ship type specific loading conditions, see Pt.5. Application of loads is specified in the Society's class
guidelines for the relevant ship types.

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Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 2
4 Analysis criteria

4.1 General
The analysis criteria apply for global FE model are described in this section. Where the global FE model is
partially or entirely refined to a mesh arrangement as used for partial ship analysis, the analysis criteria for
partial ship analysis apply, as given in Sec.3 [4].

4.2 Yield strength

Nominal axial (normal), shear and von Mises stresses derived from a global analysis shall be checked
according to the acceptance criteria given in Pt.5 for the relevant ship types. For all plates of the structural
2
members the von Mises stress, σvm, in N/mm , shall be calculated based on the membrane normal and
shear stresses of the shell element. The stresses shall be evaluated at the element centroid of the mid-plane
(layer), as follows:

where:

σx and σy = element normal membrane stresses, in N/mm2

2
τxy = element shear stress, in N/mm .

4.3 Buckling strength

All structural elements in FE analysis shall be assessed individually against the buckling requirements as
defined in Ch.8 Sec.4.

4.4 Fatigue strength

General assumptions, methodology and requirements for the fatigue strength assessment are given in Ch.9.

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SECTION 3 PARTIAL SHIP STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

Symbols
For symbols not defined in this section, see Ch.1 Sec.4.

1 General

1.1 Definitions
1.1.1 Partial ship analysis
The partial ship structural analysis is used for the strength assessment of a part of the ship.

1.1.2 Cargo hold analysis

For ships with a cargo hold arrangement, the partial ship analysis is defined as a cargo hold analysis.

1.1.3 Evaluation area

The evaluation area is an area of the partial ship model, where the verification of results against the
acceptance criteria shall be carried out. For a cargo hold structural analysis evaluation area is defined in
[4.1].

1.2 Introduction
1.2.1 The partial ship structural analysis is used for the assessment of scantlings of longitudinal hull girder
structural members, primary supporting members and bulkheads. This section gives the requirements for the
partial ship structural analysis.

1.2.2 The FE model for partial ship analysis shall extend so that the model boundaries are adequately remote
from the evaluation area. The FE model extent for a cargo hold analysis is defined in [2.2.2]. For partial
ship analysis other than a cargo hold analysis, the model extent depends on the evaluation area and the
structural arrangement and will be decided case by case when required.

1.3 Application
1.3.1 Cargo hold analysis of midship region is mandatory for ships with cargo hold arrangement with L > 150
m, novel design, or when required for specific ship types, see Pt.5 or when found necessary by the Society.

1.3.2 The scantlings assessment shall be carried out as found necessary to ensure the strength of PSM
outside of midship is as a minimum equivalent to the area analyzed by FEA.

1.3.3 FE analysis outside midship region may be required if the structure or loads are substantially different
from that of the midship region. This analysis is mandatory for some ship types, as given in Pt.5.

1.3.4 Primary supporting members for which FE analysis has not been carried out shall be assessed with a
beam analysis as given in Ch.6 Sec.6.

1.3.5 For cargo hold analyses, the finite element model extent, boundary conditions, applicable loading cases
and acceptance criteria are given in this section. For some ship types additional analysis requirement are
given in Pt.5. For ships without cargo hold arrangement, the analysis procedures given in this chapter may be
applied with a special consideration.

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Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3
2 Partial ship structural model

2.1 General
2.1.1 Finite element types
Shell elements shall be used to represent plates. Stiffeners shall be modelled with beam elements having
axial, torsional, bi-directional shear and bending stiffness. The eccentricity of the neutral axis shall be
modelled. Sniped stiffeners and face plates of primary supporting members and brackets shall be modelled
using beam or rod elements.

2.1.2 Mesh
The element mesh shall follow the stiffening system as far as practicable, and shall represent the actual plate
panels between stiffeners, i.e. s × s, where s is the stiffener spacing.

2.1.3 Model idealization

All main longitudinal and transverse structural elements shall be modelled. All plates and stiffeners on the
structure, including web stiffeners, shall be modelled. Brackets which contribute to primary supporting
member strength and the size of which is not less than the typical mesh size (s × s) shall be modelled.
Openings shall be represented in the model as specified in DNV-CG-0127 Sec.3 [2.2.8].

2.2 Cargo hold structural model

2.2.1 Mid-hold definition
For the purpose of the FE analysis, the mid-hold is defined as the middle hold(s) of a three cargo hold length
FE model. In case of foremost and aftmost cargo hold assessment, the mid-hold represents the foremost and
aftmost cargo hold including the slop tank if any, respectively.

2.2.2 Extent of model

The longitudinal extent of the cargo hold FE model shall cover three cargo hold lengths. The transverse
bulkheads and webframes at the ends of the model can be omitted. Both port and starboard sides of the
ship shall be modelled. The full depth of the ship shall be modelled including primary supporting members
above the upper deck, trunks, forecastle and/or cargo hatch coaming, if any. The superstructure or deck
house in way of machinery space and the bulwark are not required to be included in the model. Exceptions
for individual ship types are specified in Pt.5.

2.2.3 Boundary conditions

The cargo hold model shall be supported at the ends to provide constraint of the model and support of the
unbalanced forces. The boundary conditions applicable to cargo hold analysis are specified in DNV-CG-0127
Sec.3.

3 Loads and loading conditions

3.1 General
3.1.1 FE load combination definition
A FE load combination is defined as a loading pattern, a draught, a value of still water bending and shear
force, associated with a given dynamic load case.

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3.1.2 Design load scenarios

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

The combinations of the ship static and dynamic loads which are likely to impose the most onerous load
regimes on the hull structure shall be investigated in the structural analysis. Design loads used for partial
ship FE analysis shall be based on the design load scenarios, as given in Ch.4 Sec.7 Table 1. In general, two
design load scenarios shall be considered:
— seagoing conditions with extreme sea loads, where both static and dynamic load components (S+D) are
applied
— harbour and testing conditions, where only static load components (S) are applied.
Other loading scenarios may be required for specific ship types, as given in Pt.5.

3.1.3 Design loads

Design loads for cargo hold partial ship analysis are represented with FE load combinations. When FE
load combinations are specified in Pt.5 for a considered ship type and cargo hold region, these FE Load
combinations shall be used in the cargo hold analysis.

3.1.4 Where the loading conditions specified by the designer are not covered by the FE load combinations
given in Pt.5, these additional loading conditions shall be examined according to the procedure in DNV-
CG-0127 Sec.3.

3.1.5 FE load combination

Each FE load combination consists of a loading pattern and dynamic load cases as given in Ch.4 Sec.2. Each
load combination requires the application of the structural weight, internal and external loads and hull girder
loads as given in [3.1] and [3.3], respectively.

3.1.6 Load applications

All simultaneously acting hull girder and local loads shall be applied to the model. The application of local and
hull girder loads to the FE cargo hold model shall be in accordance with DNV-CG-0127 Sec.3. The application
of the specific load for some ship types are given in relevant class guidelines.

3.2 Internal and external loads

3.2.1 External sea pressures
External pressure shall be calculated in accordance with Ch.4 Sec.5. External pressures include static sea
pressure, wave pressure and green sea pressure.

3.2.2 Internal loads

Internal loads to be calculated for in accordance with Ch.4 Sec.5 and Ch.4 Sec.6.
The specific internal loads for some ship types are given in relevant chapter of Pt.5.

3.3 Hull girder loads

3.3.1 General
The hull girder loads are the combinations of still water hull girder loads and wave induced hull girder loads
as specified in Ch.4.

3.3.2 In general, each FE load combination shall be associated with a relevant component of hull girder loads
i.e. vertical and horizontal bending moments, shear force and torsional moment. When FE load combinations
are not specified in Pt.5 for a considered ship type, the required component of hull girder loads will be
decided on case by case basis.

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3.3.3 Target values for hull girder loads

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

For each FE load combination the hull girder loads shall be adjusted to the required target value and location
in the model. The target locations for hull girder shear force are at the transverse bulkheads of the mid-hold
of the FE model. The target location for hull girder bending moments is, in general, located at the center of
the mid-hold of the FE model. The target location for hull girder torsional moments is, in general, located
at one of the transverse bulkheads of the mid-hold of the FE model. The hull girder load target calculation
procedures are given in DNV-CG-0127 Sec.3.

3.3.4 Application of hull girder loads

Hull girder loads shall be applied to the model according to the procedures for adjustments of shear force,
bending moment and torsional moment as described in DNV-CG-0127 Sec.3.

4 Analysis criteria

4.1 Evaluation areas

Verification of results against the acceptance criteria given in [4.2] and [4.3] shall be carried out within the
evaluation area of the FE model for all modelled structural members. In cargo hold analysis the mid-hold, as
defined in [2.2.1], represents the evaluation area with the following structural members:
— all hull girder longitudinal structural members
— all primary supporting structural members, and
— bulkheads, inclusive forward and aft transverse bulkheads of the mid-hold.

4.2 Yield strength assessment

4.2.1 Von Mises stress
2
For all plates of the structural members within evaluation area, the von Mises stress, σvm, in N/mm , shall
be calculated based on the membrane normal and shear stresses of the shell element. The stresses shall be
evaluated at the element centroid of the mid-plane (layer), as follows:

where:

σx and σy = element normal membrane stresses, in N/mm2

2
τxy = element shear stress, in N/mm .

4.2.2 Axial stress in beams and rod elements

2
For beams and rod elements, the axial stress, σaxial, in N/mm , shall be calculated based on axial force alone.
The axial stress shall be evaluated at the middle of element length.

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4.2.3 Yield criteria

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

The structural elements given in [4.1] shall comply with the following criteria:

where:

λy = yield utilisation factor

for shell elements in general

for shell elements for AC-III

for rod or beam elements in general

for rod or beam elements representing curved flange in general and for rod or

beam elements for AC-III

2
σvm = von Mises stress, in N/mm
2
σaxial = axial stress in rod or beam element, in N/mm
λyperm = coarse mesh permissible yield utilisation factors defined in Table 1.

a) The yield check criteria shall be based on axial stress for the following members:
— the flange of primary supporting members
— the intersections between the flange and web of the corrugations, according to [4.2.5].
b) Where the von Mises stress of the elements in the cargo hold FE model in way of the area under
investigation by fine mesh exceeds the yield criteria, average von Mises stress, obtained from the fine
mesh analysis, calculated over an area equivalent to the mesh size of the cargo hold finite element
model shall satisfy the yield criteria above.
c) In way of cut-outs, yield utilisation factor shall be obtained with shear stress correction, as given in
[4.2.7].

4.2.4 Coarse mesh permissible yield utilisation factors

The permissible coarse mesh yield utilisation factors, λyperm, given in Table 1, are based on the element types
and the mesh size described in [2.1.2] and [2.1.3], respectively.
The yield utilisation factor resulting from element stresses of each structural component shall not exceed the
permissible values as given in Table 1.

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Table 1 Permissible coarse mesh yield utilisation factor λyperm

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

2)
Structural member Acceptance criteria Load components λyperm
(3)
Plating of all longitudinal hull girder structural AC-I S 0.8
members, primary supporting structural members and
bulkheads. AC-II S+D 1.0
Dummy rod of corrugated bulkhead. Face plate of (1)
AC-III A, T 1.00
primary supporting members modelled using shell or
rod elements.

(4)
Corrugation of corrugated bulkheads under lateral AC-I S 0.72
pressure from liquid loads, for shell elements only.
AC-II S+D 0.90
For corrugation angle between 45° and 55° the
reduction in λyperm as given in Ch.3 Sec.6 [6.1.1] AC-III
(1)
A, T 0.90
applies.

1) For members of the collision bulkhead, AC-I shall be used.

2) See Ch.1 Sec.2 [4.2].
3) λyperm = 0.85 when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.
4) λyperm = 0.77 when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.

4.2.5 Corrugation of corrugated bulkhead

The stress in corrugation of corrugated bulkheads shall be evaluated based on:
a) The von Mises stress, σvm, in shell elements on the flange and web of the corrugation.
b) The axial stress, σaxial, in dummy rod elements, modelled with unit cross sectional properties at the
intersection between the flange and web of the corrugation.

4.2.6 Simplified shear stress correction for openings

The correction of element yield utilization due to presence of cut-outs may be carried out by a simplified
correction. The yield criteria given in [4.2.3] shall be satisfied based on the following yield utilisation factor:

where:

λy, FE = yield utilisation factor from FE assessment with openings not reflected in the model
Cr = reduction factor for yield criteria as given in Table 2.

Where the above is not satisfied, the criteria given in [4.2.7] shall be applied.

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Table 2 Simplified shear stress correction

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

Difference between modelled shear
area and the effective shear area
in % of the modelled shear area Reduction factor
Identification Figure
for yield criteria, Cr

Upper and lower slots for local

support stiffeners fitted with lugs or < 15 % 0.85
collar plates.

Upper or lower slots for local support

stiffeners fitted with lugs or collar < 20 % 0.80
plates.

In way of opening; upper and lower

slots for local support stiffeners fitted < 40 % 0.60
with collar plates.

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4.2.7 Shear stress correction for cut-outs

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 3

The element shear stress in way of cut-outs in webs shall be corrected for loss in shear area in accordance
with the following formula. The corrected element shear stress shall be used to calculate the von Mises stress
of the element for verification against the yield criteria.

where:
2
τcor = corrected element shear stress, in N/mm
h = height of web of girder, in mm, in way of opening, see Table 1. Where the geometry of the
opening is modelled, h shall be taken as the height of web of the girder deducting the height of
the modelled opening
heff = effective web height, in mm, deducting all openings, including slots for stiffeners, calculated in
accordance with Ch.3 Sec.7 [1.4.7]
2
τelem = element shear stress, in N/mm , before correction.

In case of difference between the effective thickness and the modelled thickness, the shear stress correction
shall be adjusted by the ratio between the modelled thickness and the effective thickness.

4.2.8 Use of mesh other than s×s

Where the geometry cannot be adequately represented in the cargo hold model and the stress exceeds
the cargo hold mesh acceptance criteria, a finer mesh may be used for such geometry to demonstrate
satisfactory scantlings. The mesh size required for such analysis can be governed by the geometry. In such
cases, the area weighted von Mises stress within an area equivalent to that specified in [2.1.2] shall comply
with requirements given in [4.2.3].

4.3 Buckling strength assessment

All structural elements in FE analysis carried out in accordance with this section shall be assessed individually
against the buckling as defined in Ch.8 Sec.4.

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SECTION 4 LOCAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTH ANALYSIS

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 4

Symbols
For symbols not defined in this section, see Ch.1 Sec.4.

1 Objective and scope

1.1 General
1.1.1 Local structural strength analysis shall be carried out on structural details which are required by ship
type specific rules in Pt.5 or additional class notations stated in Pt.6. Such analysis may also be required for
other details considered critical.

1.1.2 Local FE strength analysis may be required for longitudinals subjected to large relative deflections.
Double brackets with soft toe may be sufficient to accommodate the increased bending stress at transverse
bulkhead.

1.1.3 The structural details shall be assessed by fine mesh FE analysis according to the general principles
stated in this section. Detailed procedures are given in DNV-CG-0127 Sec.4.

1.1.4 The selection of critical locations on the structural members and the fine mesh structural models shall
be in accordance with the requirements given in DNV-CG-0127 Sec.4 in general and in class guidelines for
specific ship types issued by the Society.

1.1.5 For details where very high surface stresses are expected, an advanced analysis of hot-spot stresses
covering both low cycle and high cycle fatigue may be required, see DNV-CG-0129 Fatigue assessment of
ship structures. Such analysis may also be accepted in lieu of local structural strength analysis according to
this section.

2 Structural modelling

2.1 General
2.1.1 The fine mesh analysis may be carried out by means of a separate local finite element model with fine
mesh zones, in conjunction with the boundary conditions obtained from the partial ship FE model or global FE
model. Alternatively, fine mesh zones may be incorporated into the partial ship model.

2.1.2 Model extent

The extent of the local finite element models shall be such that the calculated stresses at the areas of
interest are not significantly affected by the imposed boundary conditions and application of loads.

2.1.3 Fine mesh zone

The fine mesh zone shall represent the localized area of high stress. The finite element mesh size within the
fine mesh zones shall be not greater than 50 mm × 50 mm. In general, the extent of the fine mesh zone
shall not be less than 10 elements in all directions from the area under investigation.

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Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 4
3 Load combinations

3.1 General
The fine mesh analysis shall be carried out for all FE load combinations applied to the corresponding partial
ship or global FE analysis.

3.2 Application of loads and boundary conditions

Where a separate local model is used for the fine mesh detailed stress analysis the displacements or forces
from the partial ship model (or global model) shall be applied to the corresponding boundary contour on the
local model. All loads, including local loads and loads applied for hull girder bending moment and/or shear
force adjustments, in way of the structure represented by the separate local finite element model shall be
applied to the model.

4 Analysis criteria

4.1 Reference stress

Reference stress is von Mises stress, σvm, which shall be calculated based on the membrane direct axial and
shear stresses of the plate element evaluated at the element centroid.

4.2 Acceptance criteria

4.2.1 The acceptance criteria as given in [4.2.2] are applicable for structural details and conditions given in
[1.1]. For other structural details, the acceptance criteria may be considered on a case by case basis. The
acceptance criteria in [4.2.2] are based on the condition that the loads are redistributed from local areas with
yielding to the adjacent structure and that the coarse mesh criteria given in Sec.3 [4.2] are complied with.

4.2.2 The structural assessment shall demonstrate that the von Mises stresses obtained from the fine mesh
finite element analysis do not exceed the maximum permissible stress, as follows:

λf ≤ λfperm
where:

λf = fine mesh yield utilisation factor

for shell elements in general

for shell elements for AC-III

for rod elements in general

for rod elements in way of curved flange in general and for rod elements for AC-III
2
σvm = von Mises stress, in yield N/mm
2
σaxial = axial stress in rod element, in N/mm
λfperm = permissible fine mesh utilisation factor as given in Table 1.

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The structural assessment shall satisfy the following:

Part 3 Chapter 7 Section 4

a) The maximum permissible stresses are based on the mesh size of 50 mm × 50 mm. Where a smaller
mesh size is used, an average von Mises stress calculated in accordance with [4.1] over an area equal to
the specified mesh size may be used to compare with the permissible stresses.
b) Average von Mises stress shall be calculated based on weighted average against element areas:

where:
σvm-av is the average von Mises stress.
c) Stress averaging shall not be carried across structural discontinuities and abutting structure.

Table 1 Permissible fine mesh yield utilisation factor λfperm

Structural member Acceptance criteria Load components λfperm2)

(3)
Elements not adjacent to weld. AC-I S 1.36 ff

AC-II S+D 1.70 ff

1)
AC-III A, T 2.04
(4)
Elements adjacent to weld. AC-I S 1.2 ff

AC-II S+D 1.50 ff

1)
AC-III A, T 1.80

where:
ff = fatigue factor taken as:
1.0 in general
1.2 for details where fatigue strength is verified by hot spot stresses based on very fine mesh finite element
analysis, see Ch.9 Sec.3 [3].

1) For members of the collision bulkhead, AC-I shall be applied.

2) The conditions for local strength analysis are given in [1.1] and [4.2.1].
3) λfperm = 1.45ff when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.
4) λfperm = 1.28ff when hull girder permissible loads for harbour operations or special operations are applied.

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CHANGES – HISTORIC

Part 3 Chapter 7 Changes – historic

July 2020 edition

Changes July 2020, entering into force 1 January 2021

Topic Reference Description

Curved flange Sec.3 [4.2.3], The utilisation factor for rod elements in way of curved flange is
Sec.4 [4.2.2] taken as axial stress divided by yield stress.

July 2019 edition

Changes July 2019, entering into force 1 January 2020

Topic Reference Description

Finite element acceptance Sec.1 [3.1.4] The limit for temperature stress analysis is changed from 80ºC
criteria to 100ºC to be in line with Ch.1 Sec.2 [3.7].

Sec.3 Table 1 The permissible coarse mesh yield utilisation factor for AC-I is
changed.

Sec.4 [4.2.1], The application of fine mesh acceptance criteria is updated.

Sec.4 Table 1 The permissible fine mesh yield utilisation factor for AC-I is
changed.

July 2018 edition

Changes July 2018, entering into force 1 January 2019

Topic Reference Description

Sec.3 [4.2.3] The yield utilization factor for AC-III will be based on minimum
Flooding condition
Sec.4 [4.2.2] specified yield stress ReH instead of nominal yield stress, Ry.

July 2016 edition

Main changes July 2016, entering into force as from date of

publication

• Sec. 1 Finite element analysis

— Sec.1 [3]: The application of anisotropic materials in FE analysis has been described.

• Sec.3 Partial ship structural analysis

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— Sec.3 [4.2.4]: Reduced permissible yield utilization factor for corrugation angles between 45° and 55° is

Part 3 Chapter 7 Changes – historic

added.

October 2015 edition

This is a new document.
The rules enter into force 1 January 2016.

Amendments January 2016

• General
— Only editorial corrections have been made.

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