STRESS ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SHIP COMPONENTS BY A NUMERICAL PROCEDURE USING CURVED FINITE ELEMENTS

A numerical procedure for the structural analysis of a general three-dimensional nature has been developed to provide a reliable solution to the problem of determining the strength of propellers, particularly those with unconventional configurations. A finite element displacement model is utilized and compatible solid elements in their general form are adopted. The use of interpolation functions to define pertinent curvilinear coordinates in element space gives the finite element technique, new capabilities for dealing with structures of highly complex geometry. This formulation bypasses the constraints of simplifying assumptions (such as those imposed by classicial plate theory) and allows a closer approximation to the true structural configuration than is possible by other approaches, including most analytical and numerical methods. The performance of the refined elements described in this report is distinctly superior to those obtainable with commonly available elements, for example, those in NASTRAN. A highly skewed propeller blade under prescribed pressure distributions was chosen for demonstration of the generality of the procedure. Good agreement was obtained with measured displacement and experimental stress data.

• Corporate Authors:

  Naval Ship Research and Development Center

  Structures Department
  Bethesda, MD  United States  20034
• Authors:
  • Ma, J H
• Publication Date: 1973-7

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 106 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Blades (Machinery); Finite element method; Mechanical loads; Propellers; Stresses
• Old TRIS Terms: Blade stresses; Propeller loading; Skewed propellers
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048397
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Ship Structure Committee
• Report/Paper Numbers: 4057 R&D Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 14 1973 12:00AM