Advanced Joining Techniques in European Shipbuilding

Abstract

Joining processes are an important key factor for the competitiveness of European shipbuilders. They not only represent a significant portion of the total man hour consumption in hull production and outfitting, but due to heat distortions they also have a significant impact on nonproductive work operations, such as straightening and fitting. Those operations can interfere with on-board outfitting and increase lead time and construction cost. In addition to their contribution to shipyard productivity, joining techniques have a significant impact on material properties and thus on product performance and quality. Those factors become increasingly important for complex structures using comparatively thin and high-strength materials. Considering the importance of efficient joining, European shipbuilders in the past decade have invested significant efforts to develop new joining techniques, such as laser welding, adhesive bonding, and mechanical joining. Based on research results, practical industrial applications have been developed recently. After reviewing the impact of joining processes on competitiveness, the article will summarize a number of past and ongoing research projects with special focus on design methods, process and equipment development, fatigue strength of joints, quality assurance, and approval. It will then present a number of recent applications of new joining techniques in European shipyards. Finally, open problems and future research needs will be briefly discussed. The article is based on a joint effort of leading European experts and will focus on laser and laser hybrid welding, adhesive bonding, and mechanical joining

New Technologies for Hull Assemblies in Shipbuilding

“…According to the analysis of world leading producers, the manufacturing quality is the key factor of reaching the productivity. Technological operations for details adjustment and correction of fi nished structures can take up to 30% of the total vessel hull manufacturing time, if traditional welding methods are used [14]. The application of deformation-free laser technologies is the way to increase productivity and to improve quality of the fi nished product.…”

“…These authors also state that welding deformations not only deteriorate the aesthetic aspect, but also pose a threat to the structural integrity of the vessel and can lead to its destruction. Process operations for details adjustment and correction of fi nished structures can take up to 30% of the total time of ship hull manufacturing, if traditional welding methods are used [14].…”

A Short Communication for Shipbuilding Industry in Vietnam

“…Due to working in harsh environmental conditions, the characteristics of shipbuilding aluminum also outperform other types of aluminum. Shipbuilding aluminum must ensure the following characteristics [24][25][26][27]:  High durability when working in water and ensure light weight  Shipbuilding aluminum is often easy to process and process quickly  Good weldability and easy forming  In particular, shipbuilding aluminum must be characterized by high corrosion resistance and good resistance in marine environments [28][29][30][31].…”

Experimental and numerical study on the influence of the laser hybrid parameters in partial penetration welding on the solidification cracking in the weld root

“…This also reduces reworking time necessary after welding such as straightening works. Considering that the total weld joint length for a passenger ship can be up to 400 km, costs for straightening are estimated from 15 to 30% [4,5]. The thickness of the welded material is as far as 15 mm.…”