A methodology for comparison and assessment of three crashworthy side-shell structures: the X-core, Y-core and corrugation panel structures

Paper in proceeding, 2013

Enhanced maritime safety with respect to a structure’s crashworthiness requires an innovative process which involves methodology that is reliable for its purpose and task. In numerous research projects, new innovative side-shell structures have been proposed and assessed in contrast to conventional side-shell structure designs with respect to their crashworthiness properties. The assumptions made between papers vary and also the selection of analysis method and evaluation criteria. In the current investigation, a methodology that has been verified against small and large scale structure experiments is utilised to make an in-depth comparison and assessment (by means of experiments and nonlinear finite element simulations) of three promising innovative side-shell structures referred to as the X-core, the Y-core and the intrusion-tolerant corrugated panel structures; all of them have been presented separately in the literature before. The objective is to make independent comparison of the three concepts against a typical reference double-hull side-shell structure and challenge their structural designs with respect to energy absorption, penetration depth at fracture of the inner barrier during a bulb-impact loading condition, weight and manufacturing cost. It is concluded from the inves-tigation that there is not one candidate who is superior to the others. Hence, the structures have to be further developed or trade-offs have to be made depending on the indented functionality of the structure and risk for collision related to e.g. distribution of likely collision angles.