Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology

Written examination in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Marine Structural Engineering (MMA167)
• Date: Thursday, 2011-12-15
• Time: 14.00 − 18.00
• Location: Chalmers Campus Lindholmen

• Examiner: Jonas Ringsberg, phone: (772) 1489 or 076 − 119 14 06

• Questions on the written exam: Jonas Ringsberg: 076 − 119 14 06

• Solutions will be available in Ritsalen after 18.00, 2011-12-15

• Corrected exams will be available no later than 2011-12-23 at the Department of
Shipping and Marine Technology (third floor, Lotta’s office)

The written examination consists of two parts: one theoretical part of totally
10 points (10p), and one problem solving part consisting of four problems of
10 points (10p) each. A fully correct solution of the complete exam gives a maximum
of 50 points (50p).

THEORETICAL PART
This part must be solved first. No aids are allowed, i.e. this part is to be solved
without aids like textbooks, formula sheet, or hand calculator. The solutions to this
part should be handed in separately, before the student continues with the problem
part. Note: four points must be gained on this part in order to pass the exam!

PROBLEM PART
This part may be solved using the literature specified in the list below and any type of
hand calculator. No other material that has been distributed during the course, or
solved problems to exercises from the course, is allowed! These aids may be collected
when the solutions to the theoretical part have been handed in.

NOTE!
To obtain maximum points for each problem, the solutions must be well-
structured, clearly motivated and all equations used from the literature
should have a clear reference, e.g. page and equation number. The
answer to each problem must be specified at the end of the solution!

ALLOWED LITERATURE FOR THE PROBLEM PART

• The compendium “MMA167 – Marine Structural Engineering”. Minor notes in
the compendium are allowed.
• Mathematical tables.
• Handbooks in engineering such as KTH’s formelsamling i hållfasthetslära, or
similar books.

MARKS
The marks are given according to the following scheme (total sum of points):
• Not passed 0−19 points
• 3 = passed 20−29 points
• 4 = very good 30−39 points
• 5 = excellent 40−50 points

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Written examination in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

THEORETICAL PART (10p)

Question 1 (1.0p)
a) Read through all of the questions very carefully. After you have done that, please
answer the following question (yes or no): Does this written exam reflect the
contents of the course and what was taught during the lectures and tutorials? (0.5p)

b) What is the definition of the shear centre (SC)? Describe it in your own words.
(0.5p)

Question 2 (1p)
For a thin-walled I-shaped cross-section with (horizontal) flange breadths b 1 and b 2
(b 1 > b 2 ) subjected to a vertical load acting in the line of symmetry, draw a sketch of
the shear stress distribution in the web and the flanges. Assume constant thickness.
All relevant peak values and their relationships should be indicated. What is it that
governs the shape of the distributions?

Question 3 (2p)
a) Two crucial assumptions were made when the Navier’s formula for the normal
bending stress in a beam was derived. Specify the two assumptions used for the
derivation. (1p)

b) Which cross-sectional forces are needed to calculate the normal bending stress of a
beam using Navier’s formula? (1p)

Question 4 (2p)
Use a T-beam with a wide flange subjected to bending as an example to sketch the
normal stress distributions needed to derive the relationship for the effective flange of
the flange. Derive the expression for effective flange considering the Poisson effect.
Why do we want to use the effective flange concept?

Question 5 (1.5p)
There are a number of limit-state designs. List them and explain what they represent.

Question 6 (1p)
What is springing, whipping, hogging and sagging of the ship beam?

Question 7 (1.5p)
A plate is subjected to in-plane loading in more than one direction, and also an
additional shear load. Discuss how the equivalent elastic buckling stress may be
estimated for this type of load situation.

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Written examination in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

PROBLEM PART (40p)

NOTE: To obtain maximum points for each problem, the solutions must be well-
structured, clearly motivated and all equations used from the literature should have a
clear reference, e.g. page and equation number. The answer to each problem must be
specified at the end of the solution!

Question 8 (10p)
An I-beam of length L = 1.5 m is supported as a cantilever and subjected to a vertical
load P = 30 kN at its free end and a concentrated moment Q = 2985 Nm, see the
figure below. Calculate the maximum shear stress, τmax. You should also draw figures
which show the shear stress flow for this loading situation. Finally, where is the
maximum shear stress located?

The following properties can be found in a table for the HEA 220 beam: h = 0.22 m;
b = 0.21 m; t h = 11 mm; t b = 7 mm; I y = 1955·10-8 m4; K v = 0.218·10-6 m4;
I ω = 193·10-9 m6; E = 210 GPa; υ = 0.3.

Q
Q

Question 9 (10p)
Investigate the hypothetical case of a ship, modelled as a long prismatic beam
(L = 75 m) with the cross-section shown below. It has no torsional stiffening parts (as
if no forebody, stern or deck beams between the hatches exist).

Determine the torque needed to twist the ship ϕ = 1° . How much will A and B
translate in the longitudinal direction of the ship? Assume constant rate of twist.
Hint: ω A = −ωB = 58.21 m 2 .

y
z

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Written examination in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

Question 10 (10p)
A longitudinally stiffened (L-profiles) ship has a design of the strength deck as shown
in the figure below. The deck should be able to carry a compressive bending stress of
160 MPa amidships (i.e. in the longitudinal direction). It should also be able to carry a
uniform pressure load caused by green water. The material of the structure is steel
with the elastic modulus 210 GPa, Poisson’s ratio 0.3 and yield stress 270 MPa. You
may need the following information:

• Deck plate thickness: 14 mm.

• L-profile dimensions: 180×12×90×18.
• Moment of inertia of the L-profile (incl. flange efficiency): I = 4.5×107 mm4.

(a) Calculate the effective flange of the deck plating. As the boundary condition, you
should use the boundary condition of the deflection mode which best represent
the first buckling mode caused by the compressive bending stress. You may
assume that the strength deck has been designed according to good design
methodology. The green water load should be used in the analysis to represent the
load situation acting on the deck plate. (4p)
(b) Calculate the effective flange of the unsymmetric flange of the L-profile for the
same case as in (a). (6p)

Side shell

Deck
Longitudinals beams

Hatch corner

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Written examination in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

Question 11 (10p)
An old aqueduct, which is now used only by pleasure yachts, is to be replaced with a
welded structure of steel plates. The first sketch is shown in the figure with all
essential scantlings shown. The total length of the structure is 27 m and the breadth is
5.95 m. The steel has a yield strength of 360 MPa.
The location of the neutral axis (distance from plate centre) for the transverse bottom
web is 144 mm, and its moment of inertia is 4.3∙108 mm4. The location of the neutral
axis (distance from plate centre) for a longitudinal in the bottom is 26 mm, and its
moment of inertia is 3.2∙107 mm4.
• Describe in detail what instability phenomena that may occur for the aqueduct.
Make sketches and explain. (3p)
• Calculate the critical buckling stress of the bottom structure. Assume a
reasonable boundary condition for the bottom web (the transverse web structure
of the aqueduct) and explain that assumption and the consequences for safety.
(Note: there is no need to account for effective breadth calculations.) (7p)

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

Solutions to the written exam 2011-12-15 in

Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

THEORETICAL PART (10p)

Question 1 (1.0p)
a) Yes/No. (0.5p)

b) A lateral load acting on a beam produces bending without twisting if and only if it
is acting through the shear centre (SC). (0.5p)

Question 2 (1p)
See the figure below. It is the definition of the static moment, S, which governs the
shear stress distribution for a cross-section of constant thickness: linear variation in
horizontal parts and parabolic variation in vertical parts for the current loading
situation.

Question 3 (2p)
a) A plane cross-section of a beam remains plane after bending (J. Bernoulli, 1694).
Only normal stresses occur in bending and Hooke’s law holds for the normal stress
in every fibre of the beam (L. Navier, 1826). (1p)
b) The bending moments and the normal/axial force. (1p)

Question 4 (2p)
See the compendium, Part B, on p. 7, Eq. (2.1.) to (2.4). Effective breadth calculation
procedure is used to re-establish the conditions of beam theory in order to carry out
calculations more easily in structural design.

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

Question 5 (1.5p)
• Serviceability limit state (SLS): the structure must remain functional for its
intended use subject to routine/daily loading.
• Ultimate limit state (ULS): the structure must not collapse when subjected to the
peak design load for which it was designed.
• Fatigue limit state (FLS): is carried out to ensure that the structure has an
adequate fatigue life (cyclic loading conditions).
• Accidental limit state (ALS): the structure is designed to survive collision, severe
ice impact, grounding loading, etc.

Question 6 (1p)
• Springing: global vertical resonant hull girder vibration due to oscillating wave
loads along the hull of the ship.
• Whipping: is usually defined as a transient hydro-elastic ship structural response
due to impulsive loading such as slamming, green water, underwater explosion.
• Hogging: describes a beam which curves upwards in the middle.
• Sagging: describes a beam which curves downwards.

Question 7 (1.5p)
In the case of combined loading, an equivalent stress and an equivalent buckling
stress are defined. The elastic buckling stress for each of the loads applied has to be
calculated first, i.e. σ Ex , σ Ey and τ E , respectively. The equivalent buckling stress, σ Ee ,
may then be calculated as:
c
 σe   σ x   σ y   τ 
c c c

  =   +   +   where
σ σ  σ  τ 
 Ee   Ex   Ey   E 
σ e = σ x2 + σ y2 − σ xσ y + τ 2 is the von Mises equivalent stress and
1
c =2− , a / b > 1 is an exponent that gives the relationship for the plate aspect
a/b
ratio.

PROBLEM PART (40p)

Question 8 (10p)
• Calculate the torsion parameter (Part A, Chapter 3, Eq. (5.68) on p. 115):
GK v L2
α= = ... ≈ 0.1 . Hence, combined (general) torsion must be used in the
π 2 EI ω
solution.

• In this problem, there will be a combination of shear stresses due to bending,

St Venant torsion and Vlasov torsion: τ =τ b + τ SV + τ W .

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

• Shear stress due to bending, τ b .

(Part A, Chapter 3, Table 3.1 and Case 2 on p. 32.)

3P
τ 1= = ...= 9.30 MPa . τ1
4hth
Hence, τ b= τ=1 9.30 MPa at the NA.

• Shear stresses due to St Venant and Vlasov torsion, τ SV and τ W .

Since we know that there is combined torsion, we need to find out how the torsion
moment divides into St Venant part and Vlasov part at different locations along the
beam.
 (b − th )
Q= 2985 2
P= ... ≈ 2985 Nm
Nm

TSV ( =x 0)= 0
 π 2α
Elementary cases: use the Table 1:36 and Case 1: TSV ( x = L) = − Qλ (4α )
 2
TW ( =
x 0)= Q

TW ( x ==L) Q − TSV ( x = L)

In this table and the equations, −α is used, and Table 1:37 gives λ (4α ) = 0.7066 .
TSV ( =x 0) = 0
T ( x= L)= ...= 1041 Nm
 SV
As a result, the torsion moments become: 
TW ( =x 0) = 2985 Nm
TW ( x= L)= ...= 1944 Nm

o St Venant torsion, τ SV
(Part A, Chapter 3, Eq. (4.33) on p. 63)
 max TSV
τ = tmax
 K v
 TSV ( x = 0)
=  x 0= : τ SVmax = th 0
 Kv
 T ( x = L)
 x= L : τ SV = SV th= ...= 52.53 MPa
max

 Kv
o Vlasov torsion, τ W
(Part A, Chapter 3, Eq. (5.71) on p. 118)
T S
τW = W ω
I ωth

Elementary cases, Table 1:34 and Case 1:

h 2bth
Sωmax= = ...= 6.988 ⋅10−6 m 4 in the NA.
16

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

 TW ( x = 0) Sω
 x= 0 : τ W = = ...= 9.83 MPa
max

 I ωth
Hence, 
 TW ( x = L) Sω
 x= L : τ W = = ...= 6.40 MPa
max

 I ωth

• Summing up the shear stress distributions:

All of the shear stresses add together in the left flange with maximum in the NA.
 x = 0 : τ = τ b + τ SV + τ W = 9.30 + 0 + 9.83 MPa = 19.13 MPa
Therefore, 
 x =L : τ =τ b + τ SV + τ W =9.30 + 52.53 + 6.40 MPa =68.23 MPa
Finally, τ max 68.23
= = MPa at x L .

=
ANSWER: τ max 68.23
= MPa at x L in
the NA of the left flange.
See the figure above for the
shear stress flow.

Question 9 (10p)

• Use St Venant torsion theory to calculate T x . No preventing of warping, constant

rate of twist, give that τ W = 0 → τ = τ SV .
• Use Vlasov torsion theory to calculate the relative displacement between A and B.
• The compendium Part A, Chapter 2 p. 57 Eq. (4.22) gives:
L
Tx TL
ϕ′ = θ=
GKV
→ ϕ= ∫
0
ϕ ′dx = x .
GKV
• The torsional constant of this cross-section is (the compendium Part A, Chapter 2
p. 65 Table 4.2)
N
1
KV = ∑ bi ti3 → KV = 1.567 ⋅10−4 m 4 .
i =1 3

ϕ GKV
• Hence,
= Tx = {ϕ in radians!
= } 2.95 kNm .
L
• The relative displacement is defined here as u A−=
B u A − uB .
• Use the compendium Part A, Chapter 2 p. 94 Eq. (5.30) (no bending or axial
loads): u ( x, y, z ) =−ϕ ′ ⋅ ω ( x, y ) .

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

• St Venant torsion theory gives that ϕ ′ is constant, and hence, ϕ ′ = ϕ / L .

• The sectorial coordinates are given as ω A = −ωB = 58.21 m 2 .
ϕ
• Hence, u A = −ϕ ′ ⋅ ω A =− ωA = {ϕ in radians!} =−0.0135 m .
L
• Thus, u A− B = u A − uB = 0.027 m .

ANSWER: Tx = 2.95 kNm

u A− B = u A − uB = 0.027 m

Question 10 (10p)
Solution (a) (4p)
• When subjected to a compressive bending stress as defined in the problem
formulation, the first buckling deformation of the longitudinals will be a sine half-
wave between the deck beams. Hence, the longitudinals can be identified as simply
supported between the deck beams.
• The distance between two deck beams, and therefore also zero-point of bending
moments for the first sine half-wave, is L = 4000 mm.
• Use the elementary case method, case I on p. 30 in the compendium, Part A:
cL/B = 4000/800 = 5.
• A realistic assumption here (also given) is that buckling takes place as a
consequence of compressive axial loading; the additional information concerning
uniform pressure loads tells us to follow curve (a): read the flange efficiency for
curve (a), i.e. the flange efficiency is 92%.

Solution (b) (6p)

• The moment diagram for this example is similar to the case in (a); see also case 2
on p. 26 in the compendium, Part B.
• Because this is an unsymmetric flange, we have to calculate the total stiffness R
using Eq. (2.77).
210 ⋅103  12 
3

Rw = ⋅  ≈ 17.1 N / mm
2

4(1 − 0.3 )  180 

2

210 ⋅103  143 

R pl = ⋅   ≈ 24.4 N / mm2
2 
(1 − 0.3 )  800 ⋅180 
2

R = (1 / Rw + 1 / R pl ) ≈ 10.06 N / mm2
−1

• The summation method has to be used. Follow the procedure and fill in the table
on p. 25. In the diagram on p. 33 one has to calculate 2Rb/(Et) = …= 0.00024 and
β = ... = 0.44.
• Fill in the table and carry out the summation for n = 1, 3, 5 and 7, and we get that
the flange efficiency is approx. 100%, i.e. full efficiency.

ANSWER:
(a): flange efficiency: 92%.
(b): fully effective, i.e. 100%.

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

Question 11 (10p)

Solution (a) (3p)

• The following buckling modes may occur:

1. Buckling of the bottom plate.

2. Buckling of the side plates.
3. Euler II buckling of the longitudinal stiffeners at the bottom and sides.
4. Buckling of the web of the longitudinal stiffeners at the bottom and sides.
5. Buckling of the flange of the longitudinal stiffeners at the bottom and sides.
6. Torsion buckling of the longitudinal stiffeners at the bottom and sides.
7. If the transverses are too weak, the entire plate field at the bottom may buckle.
8. The two pillars (supports) may become instable and buckle.
9. The two upper flanges of the aqueduct cross-section can buckle.

Solution (b) (7p)

• The plate field is stiffened transversally and longitudinally. Follow the calculation
procedure in Chapter 10 in the compendium, Part B.
• Calculate the buckling stresses one by one.

Plate buckling
2 2
π 2E  t pl  π 2 ⋅ 210 ⋅103  12 
• σE = 
⋅   ⋅ 4 = ⋅   ⋅ 4 MPa = 150 MPa.
12(1 − υ )  b 
2
12(1 − 0.3 )  (5950 / 7) 
2

• The yield stress is given as 360 MPa and since the calculated elastic buckling
stress is less than half of the yield stress, no correction using Johnson-Ostenfeld is
needed.

Lateral/Euler II buckling of the longitudinals

π 2 EI a
• σE = where A = s ⋅ t + Aa .
Al 2
• A = s ⋅ t + Aa = (5950 / 7) ⋅12 + 200 ⋅15 mm 2 = 13200 mm 2 .
π 2 EI a π 2 ⋅ 210 ⋅103 ⋅ 3.2 ⋅107
• σE = = MPa = 248 MPa > 0.5 ⋅ σ y .
Al 2 13200 ⋅ (4500) 2
• Johnson-Ostenfeld correction:
 σ   360 
σ E , corr = σ y 1 − y  = 360 ⋅ 1 −  MPa = 229 MPa.
 4σ E   4 ⋅ 248 

Torsion buckling of the longitudinals

GI π 2 EI w
• σ Eφ = t +
Ip I pl 2
• Calculate I t , I w and I p .
1 1
• I t = ∑ bi ti3 = ⋅ 200 ⋅153 mm 4 = 225000 mm 4 .
3 i 3
There is no contribution from Vlasov torsion resistance from the longitudinals
because of their cross-section (cf. Appendix C, Table 1:34 in the compendium,

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 Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Shipping and Marine Technology
Solutions to the written exam (2011-12-15) in Marine Structural Engineering, MMA167, 2011

case 2 where I w = I ö hö + I ö hö = 0 because the beam under consideration has no

flanges).
• The polar moment of inertia, I p = I x + I y where x is the horizontal axis and y is the
vertical axis in the point p around rotation occurs.
15 ⋅ 2003
Ix = + 15 ⋅ 200 ⋅1002 mm4 = 40.00 ⋅106 mm4 .
12
200 ⋅153
Iy = mm4 = 56250 mm4 .
12
I p = I x + I y = 40.06 ⋅106 mm4 .
• Now, the elastic buckling stress can be calculated:
EI t π 2 EI w 210 ⋅103 ⋅ 225000
σ Eφ = + = + 0 MPa = 454 MPa.
2(1 + υ ) I p I pl 2 2(1 + 0.3) ⋅ 40.06 ⋅106
• Johnson-Ostenfeld correction:
 σ   360 
σ E , corr = σ y 1 − y  = 360 ⋅ 1 −  MPa = 289 MPa.
 4σ E   4 ⋅ 454 

Web plate buckling of the longitudinals

2
π 2E  tw  π 2 ⋅ 210 ⋅103  15 
2

• σE = ⋅   ⋅ 4 = ⋅  ⋅ 4 MPa = 4271 MPa > 0.5 ⋅ σ y .

12(1 − υ 2 )  bw  12(1 − 0.32 )  200 
• Johnson-Ostenfeld correction:
 σ   360 
σ E , corr = σ y 1 − y  = 360 ⋅ 1 −  MPa = 352 MPa.
 4σ E   4 ⋅ 4271 

Flange buckling of the longitudinals

• No flanges on the stiffeners.

Check the transverse beam strength

b4 1
• Criterion to be fulfilled for transverse beam strength: I b ,req > ⋅ ⋅ Ia.
4sl 3 ξ
• (Most conservative) If both ends are considered freely supported, ξ = 1.
• (Most realistic) If one end is fixed and one end is simply supported, ξ = 2.4.
5950 4 1
• With ξ = 1 , I b ,req = ⋅ ⋅ 3.2 ⋅107 mm 4 = 12.94 ⋅107 mm 4 .
4 ⋅ 850 ⋅ 4500 1
3

59504 1
• With ξ = 2.4 , I b , req = ⋅ ⋅ 3.2 ⋅107 mm4 = 5.18 ⋅107 mm4 .
4 ⋅ 850 ⋅ 4500 2.4
3

• It is given that I b = 4.3 ⋅108 mm4 . Hence, the strength of the transverse beams is
sufficient for both values of the restraint coefficient ξ . There is margin for a safety
factor of 3 in the calculation with ξ = 1 , i.e. no risk to endanger safety.
• Consequently, the lowest elastic buckling stress was 150 MPa for plate buckling.

ANSWER:
(a) Se the above specification in the solution.
(b) The lowest elastic buckling stress was
calculated to 150 MPa for the plate.
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