In this paper, the ultimate strength and collapse behavior of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates under combined compression and lateral pressure are investigated based on a 3-D nonlinear finite element method (FEM). Both geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity are taken into consideration. The ultimate strength characteristics of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates, especially under transverse compression, are investigated in this study, and the influence of lateral pressure is taken into account. Besides, the effect of laser weld rotation stiffness on the ultimate strength and collapse behavior of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates under compression and lateral pressure is studied. Some important conclusions can be obtained from this paper, which are useful insights for the development of the ultimate strength theory of ship structures and lay a good foundation for the study of the ultimate strength of laser-welded web-core sandwich plates in the future.
Humankind is becoming increasingly aware that energy has to be used more efficiently to preserve the environment. One possible way to increase the energy efficiency of a ship lies in reducing its structural weight, allowing a higher amount of cargo to be transported. Advances in laser-welding technology have allowed the use of new structural concepts that allow higher weight savings in the shipbuilding industry. A sandwich plate has a lower weight for the same flexural stiffness of the traditional structure as a result of the material being positioned away from the neutral axis. This study concentrates on the lase-welded web-core sandwich plates, which have two face plates separated by the web plates.
When applied on a ship deck, the web-core sandwich plates are subjected to the compression loads. In this regard, buckling, post-buckling and even collapse may occur in the service period of ships when overloaded in an extreme situation. In this regard, it is necessary to study the ultimate strength and collapse mode of the plate under compression.
