Experimental Research on Dynamic Behavior of Stiffened Plates under Drop-Weight Impacts of a Wedge Impactor

Abstract

Deck structures subjected to drop-weight low-velocity impact are critical safety elements for ships and offshore structures. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to propose experimental research on dynamic responses of deck structures composed of stiffened plates subjected to drop-weight impact of a wedge impactor. The first step was to fabricate a conventional stiffened plate specimen and a strengthened stiffened plate specimen, as well as a drop-weight impact tower. Then, drop-weight impact tests were carried out. Test results show that local deformation and fracture occurred in the impact area. A sharp wedge impactor caused premature fracture, even under relative low impact energy; the permanent lateral deformation of the stiffened plate was reduced by 20–26% by the strengthening effect of a strengthening stiffer; residual stress and the stress concentration of the cross-joint caused by welding may cause undesired brittle fracture. The present investigation provides useful insight for improving the crashworthiness design of the deck structure of ships and offshore structures.

Feature Point Identification in Fillet Weld Joints Using an Improved CPDA Method

“…As a key method to achieve a permanent connection between materials, welding is becoming more and more important in manufacturing [1,2], bridge and/or ship construction [3,4], vehicle engineering [5], the aerospace industry [6], and so on. Moreover, with the rapid development of the industrial robot [7], the application of welding processes will continue to be broadened with automation and intelligence.…”