Thin Plate Distortion—The Ongoing Problem in Shipbuilding

Abstract

Distortion induced in thin plate continues to create adverse performance effects in the shipbuilding industry. A number of issues have been reviewed, along with potential tools to reduce distortion, practically and theoretically. Many of the factors described are management-control issues as the technology is now well established. This probably encompasses about 80% of the solution. The remaining 20% is significantly more complex to resolve and as a result will take disproportionately longer to achieve. Two key issues have been highlighted. The first is the role of designers in reducing distortion. If tackled at the source, then this will start to reduce the remaining 20% of the problem. The second is the role of residual stresses in materials being used in the building process. This has been established as a largely unresearched area with significant complexities in achieving potential solutions. The latter item, when solved, will also increase the significance of finite element model outputs.