DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALUMINUM HULL STRUCTURES--STUDY OF ALUMINUM BULK CARRIER

The study was undertaken to evaluate the benefits and constraints that will develop when ship design as well as fabrication procedures are modified to employ aluminum alloys instead of steel for hull structure of a large deadweight carrier. The fabrication of a large aluminum hull with state of the art materials and construction techniques is shown to be technically feasible. Present 5000 series alloys have adequate properties, though additional research is required, particularly into fatigue characteristics. Experience to date with existing aluminum ships has been good, though instances of cracking at welds and corrosion have been noted. Criteria for the design of the aluminum hull structure are presented and justified. Methods of fire protection and system/equipment installation are evaluated, and operational characteristics of an aluminum bulk carrier are reviewed. The designs of a large aluminum bulk carrier and an equivalent steel ship are presented and compared. The aluminum ship's structure weighs 43 percent less than the steel ship, and its hull is about 50 percent more flexible. Cargo deadweight is increased 7-1/2 percent. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Gibbs and Cox, Inc.

  New York, NY  United States 
• Authors:
  • Altenburg, C J
  • SCOTT, R J
• Publication Date: 1971

Media Info

• Pagination: 140 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum; Bulk carriers; Hulls; Shipbuilding; Superstructures
• Identifier Terms: Ship Structure Committee
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aluminum ships; Ship hulls
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00024840
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: SSC-218, 16671/(1-598)
• Contract Numbers: N00024-70-C-5138
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 4 1972 12:00AM