The prediction of deformation in the process of erecting ship blocks based on inherent strain approach

Ship structures are referred to as plated and/or welded structures. Plates are sequentially welded using a high-temperature heat source to assemble the overall ship. The heat source used in the sequential welding inevitably generates imperfections in the ship structure, e.g., welding-induced deformation. Predicting welding-induced deformation is a critical task in design and control management at a shipyard, and much research has focused on the inherent strain method among possible efficient numerical methods. However, determining the inherent strain requires the synchronisation of all strain terms as a function of time and welding uncertainty because the welding position depends on the human worker. The present study thus derives time-dependent terms for inherent strain of the overall welding process and includes the welding position and cooling method in the function of the heat transfer coefficient. The inherent strain is derived through the detailed analysis of the overall welding process in terms of the application and utilisation, and it is simulated and reviewed for the erection of the hull block of a container ship and an LNG carrier. The inherent strain is expected to be used as a simple form of strain in the further study of various large welded structures and materials and in research on welding parameters.