To assess the response of structures including non-linear effects is crucial when developing new novel ship designs, special cargo tank concepts and in connection with application of complex material characteristics and structural arrangements. Non-linear effects are especially important for slender and thin-walled structures and for structures build in material with low stiffness and high yield stress. Equally important are non-linear effects for structures suffering large strains with possible fracture and crack developments under extreme loads and incidents scenarios such as collision and groundings. Non-linear effects can also be important for dynamic and vibration response of structures under special conditions.

The Section for Hydrodynamics, Structures and Stability has long experience in the use of non-linear FE programs on different type of problems involving buckling and ultimate strength issues, fracture and cracking of structures under collisions/groundings loadings and complex responses of LNG tank designs. In-depth competence on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the problems together with long experience in using the recognized non-linear FE software ABAQUS ensures high quality service within this field.

Features which are coped with are non-linear structural behaviour in general covering both geometrical and material effects. Large structures can be modelled and by using sub-modelling techniques the analysing (CPU) time can be limited. Complex loading and different types of failure modes can be simulated involving localized buckling and material yielding, material fracture and crack development. The main analyses tool will be the recognized non-linear FE program ABAQUS