Author(s)

D. Beghin

Abstract

Structural integrity of knuckle joints in inner hull for double hull oil tankers or membrane LNG carriers or at connection between the inner bottom and hopper tank sloping plating for bulk carriers is of primary importance taking into account the consequences on ship safety of initiation and propagation of cracks in those areas. After showing typical cracks observed on knuckle joints of bulk carriers, the paper presents results of comparative fatigue analyses performed for various structural arrangements of welded knuckle joints. The calculations carried out according to the fatigue procedure developed by Bureau Veritas are based upon the use of S-N curves and Miner cumulative damage rule. In 1995, Bureau Veritas launched a new Classification System (YeriSTAR) integrating design analysis and ship management. In particular, taking into

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