On the Shape of Post-Welding Deformations of Plate Panels in Newly Built Ships

Abstract

The paper presents the results of an investigation carried out on nearly 700 plate panels in newly built ships and marine structures to establish the actual deformation shape of the panels, due to welding. The ultimate purpose of the research was to describe the deformation by a two-dimensional Fourier series, examine the statistical distribution of the Fourier series coefficients, and relate the coefficients to the principal welding or geometrical parameters. In view of the influence of the buckling mode component on the strength characteristics of the plate, a statistical relationship between the maximum welding distortion and the magnitude of the primary buckling mode component has been obtained, and limiting values of welding deformations, based on the primary buckling mode component, have been suggested.