Fatigue Assessment

Using SESAM program modules Stofat, Framework and Postresp A White Paper

Stofat, Framework, Postresp

Fatigue Assessment A White Paper

February 2003

Prepared by DNV Software, an independent business unit of Det Norske Veritas written by: Heidi Johansen
The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and should not be considered commitments by DNV Software (DNVS). DNVS assumes no responsibility for any errors in this document. Reproduction, distribution, and transmission of this document by any means photostatic or electronic is restricted without authorization. 2003, DNV Software. All Rights Reserved. Including this documentation, and any software and its file formats and audio-visual displays described herein; all rights reserved; may only be used pursuant to the applicable software license agreement; contains confidential and proprietary information of DNV Software and/or other third parties which is protected by copyright, trade secret, and trademark law and may not be provided or otherwise made available without prior written authorization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Fatigue Loads.........................................................................4 Geometry Tolerances .............................................................5 Structures and analyses .........................................................5 FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING STOFAT Analysis Capabilities ..............................................................7 Environmental Loading .........................................................7 Stochastic Fatigue Calculations ............................................8 SN-curves ...............................................................................8 Stress Concentrations Factors...............................................9 Structural Model and Fatigue Points....................................9 Analysis Results....................................................................10 Submodel Analysis ...............................................................10 Uncertainties in Fatigue Life Prediction.............................10 FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING FRAMEWORK SCF Factors .........................................................................12 Fatigue Analysis...................................................................13 Structural Model and Fatigue Points..................................13 Deterministic Approach .......................................................13 Deterministic Fatigue Applying Framework ......................13 Stochastic Approach ............................................................14 Stochastic Fatigue Applying Framework............................15 Analysis Results....................................................................15 WIND FATIGUE ASSESSMENT IN FRAMEWORK The Structural Model...........................................................17 Overview of Theoretical Basis and Assumptions ................17 FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING POSTRESP Fatigue Models.....................................................................19 Short-term Fatigue Calculation ..........................................19 Long-term Fatigue Calculation...........................................19 Results Presentation.............................................................20

INTRODUCTION

This paper offers an introduction to the fatigue phenomena and how to calculate the fatigue damage either by applying deterministic or stochastic approaches. To ensure that the structures will fulfil its intended function, fatigue assessment, supported where appropriate by a detailed fatigue analysis, should be carried out for each individual type of structural detail which is subjected to extensive dynamic loading. It should be noted that every welded joint and attachment or other form of stress concentration is potentially a source of fatigue cracking and should be individually considered. The SESAM suite of programs offers several modules that provide the opportunity to perform fatigue assessment of various types of structures. These program modules are Stofat Framework Postresp

Each of the above program modules supports different type of structures. The below chapters provide a more extensive insight into what program to use for what type of element model and type of fatigue analyses. The SESAM fatigue analysis modules support all the fatigue calculation methods described in DNV classification note 30.7.

Fatigue Loads The fatigue life of any member be that a beam, shell or solid should be calculated considering the repetitive loads, which may lead to possible significant fatigue damage. The following listed sources of fatigue loads should, where relevant, be considered: waves (including those loads caused by slamming and variable (dynamic) pressures wind (especially when vortex induced vibrations may occur) currents (especially when vortex induced vibrations may occur) mechanical vibration (e.g. caused by operation of machinery) mechanical loading and unloading (e.g. crane loads)

The effects of both local and global dynamic response shall be properly accounted for when determining response distribution related to fatigue loads.

Geometry Tolerances In the assessment of fatigue resistance, relevant consideration shall be given to the effect of stress concentrations, including those occurring as a result of: fabrication tolerances, including due regard to tolerances in way of connections involved in mating sequences or section joints cut-outs penetrations details at connections of structural sections (e.g. cut-outs to facilitate construction welding)

The DNV rules of classification provide SCFs (stress concentration factors) for a number of standard details. In other fatigue sensitive structural areas where predefined SCFs cannot be obtained from standard tables, e.g. due to different structural arrangement or that dimensions are out of range of the formula, the need for detailed finite element analyses arise in order to determine the correct SCF. Structures and analyses Any type of offshore structure can be analysed applying SESAM, be that a FPSO, Spar, Tension Leg Platform, semisubmersible, jacket, jack-up, any type of top side modules. flare towers or drill towers. One of the important strengths within SESAM is the extensive integration that exists between one program module to another. The structures are modelled in what is known as pre-processors (e.g. Patran-Pre and Genie) and the model is then automatically read by the analysis engines be that environmental or structural analyses. If both an environmental and structural analysis is performed the environmental analysis is performed first. The result file from this analysis is automatically read by the structural analysis engine alongside the structural model. The result file from the structural model is then automatically read by the SESAM post-processors (e.g. Stofat, Framework, Postresp). The model properties and loads are transferred without the user having to do any manual transformation or additional load input from one module to the next in SESAM, and thus reducing the possibility of erroneous input. In the post-processors all information of model property and loads are stored and these are readily accessible. Typical result information stored in the result file is model geometry properties, displacements, accelerations, forces, moments and different types of stresses.

The structures can be modelled in Patran-Pre or Genie or a combination of the two by applying the superelement technique. Patran-Pre is a general modeller where there exist extensive options with respect to element types and loads. Genie is an ingenious modeller that is focusing on frame and plane plate structures such as topside models and frame structures. An analysis model can readily be built up as a combination of the two as the different modellers create an interface file that can be merged in Presel by applying the superelement technique. In Presel the superelement model parts are assembled through two or more levels to form the complete model. When running the structural analysis the structural analysis engine Sestra reduces the equation systems of the superelements successively until the whole system has been solved. Results for the complete model or for selected superelements only may be taken into a SESAM post-processor (e.g. Stofat, Framework, Xtract) for results presentation or further processing.

FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING STOFAT

As Stofat is part of the SESAM analysis package you will reap the benefit of the extensive integration that exists within SESAM and as such reduce the uncertainties caused by man-made errors, and thereby enhance the quality of the fatigue assessment. Fatigue cracks and fatigue damages have been known to vessel designers for several decades. Initially the obvious remedy was to improve detail design. With the introduction of higher tensile steels (HTS-steels) in hull structures, at first in deck and bottom to increase hull girder strength, and later on in local structures, the fatigue problem became more imminent. Stofat is an interactive postprocessor performing stochastic fatigue calculation of welded shell and plate structures. The fatigue calculations are based on responses given as stress transfer functions. The stresses are generated by hydrodynamic pressure loads acting on the model. These loads are applied for a number of wave directions and for a range of wave frequencies covering the necessary sea states. The loads are applied to a finite element model of the structure whereupon the finite element calculation produces results as stresses in the elements. Stofat uses these results to calculate fatigue damages at given points in the structural model. Analysis Capabilities Stofat performs stochastic fatigue analysis on structures modelled by 2D-shell and solid elements and assesses whether the structure is likely to suffer failure due to the action of repeated loading. The assessment is made by an SN-curve based fatigue approach accumulating partial damages weighted over sea states and wave directions. The program delivers usage factors representing the amount of fatigue damage that the structure has suffered during the specific period. The loads must be computed from a hydrodynamic analysis using a stochastic approach. A stochastic approach implies that the computed loads are complex comprising real and imaginary components. Environmental Loading Several wave spectra are available: Pierson-Moskowitz spectrum Jonswap spectrum General Gamma spectrum Double peaks, six parameters Ochi-Hubble spectrum

The last spectrum can be used to model double peaks present in a wave energy density, e.g. low frequency swell along with high frequency wind generated waves, and may represent almost all stages of development of a sea in storm.

The wave energy spreading functions are used when statistical calculations are required for short crested sea, i.e. if the user wants to take into account other directions than the current main wave direction. The wave energy spreading function may be a cosn(). The wave statistics model describes the sea state conditions during a long term period and consists of mainly zero up-crossing periods TZ, significant wave heights HS and their probability of occurrence. Two scatter diagrams are predefined in Stofat. These are the North Atlantic scatter diagram and the World Wide scatter diagram, as given by DNV classification note no 30.7 Fatigue assessment of ship structures. Wave direction probability can be specified and this defines the probability of occurrence for each main wave direction specified in the hydrodynamic analysis. For more technical details on load and response modelling reference is made to appendix B of the Stofat user manual. Stochastic Fatigue Calculations A stochastic fatigue analysis requires that a linearised frequency domain hydrodynamic analysis (Wadam) followed by a quasi-static structural analysis (Sestra) is executed first. The load interface file generated by Wadam is automatically read into Sestra. Harmonic waves of unit amplitude at different frequencies and directions are passed through the structure and generate a set of stress transfer functions which are read into Stofat through the Result Interface File and used in the long term stochastic fatigue calculations. The long term fatigue calculation is based directly on a scatter diagram where Rayleigh distributions of the stress ranges are assumed and takes response spectrum and SN-curves as input. Usage factors indicating the extent of fatigue damage are calculated and printed. If a vtf-file is specified the fatigue damage can be displayed as contour plots in Xtract for better visualisation. The long term fatigue calculation may also be based on generation of stress time series by Fast Fourier Transform from stress auto spectrum, i.e. rainflow cycle counting in the time domain. Details on the spectral calculation methods applied in Stofat can be found in appendix C of the Stofat user manual. SN-curves This is used to define the fatigue characteristics of a material subjected to repeated cycle of stress of constant magnitude. The SN-curve delivers the number of cycles required to produce failure for a given magnitude of stress. The SN-curve may be selected as one of the pre-defined curves included in the program or it may be user defined. Different SN-curves may be assigned to individual elements. Default SN-curve of Stofat is DNVC-I.

Stress Concentrations Factors Fatigue computation according to DNV Classification note 30.7 requires use of Stress concentration factors. Stress concentration factors are dependent upon the level of detail in the model. The geometrical concentration factor, denoted Kg, is specified when the structural analysis has calculated nominal stresses in the structural parts, but for a mesh too coarse to represent local stress gradients. The geometrical stress concentration factor may be estimated from the rules by experience, or from a detailed finite element computation. When the finite element analysis is sufficiently accurate to simulate the stress gradient caused by the structural detail, the geometrical stress concentration factor is omitted. A stress concentration factor due to the weld itself, denoted Kw, is usually taken from the rules. Structural Model and Fatigue Points Stofat utilizes the structural model information read from the Results Interface File. Before accessing Stofat, a (.SIN) file containing a complete model description for the structure and stress transfer functions of the loadings must have been generated. Stofat operates on first level superelements and handles one superelement at the time. Fatigue assessment may be executed by performing an element fatigue check or a hotspot fatigue check. The element fatigue check runs through all elements selected for the fatigue assessment and delivers one usage factor per element. The hotspot fatigue check performs fatigue assessment of specific points in the structure defined by the user and delivers one usage factor per hotspot. The hotspots may be placed anywhere inside the superelement model treated by Stofat. In an element fatigue assessment the fatigue points may be located at element surfaces at element corners at element stress points at middle planes of the shell elements The number of fatigue check points is the same as the number of stress points for the elements. Fatigue damage is calculated for all the fatigue points and the usage factor of the point suffering most damage within an element is taken as the usage factor of the element. Calculation of the fatigue damage is based on the maximum principal stress component (real and imaginary parts) at the fatigue check point. Stresses are interpolated component by component to the fatigue check point whereupon the principal stresses are calculated and applied in the fatigue damage assessment.

Analysis Results Stofat produces usage factors expressing the extent of fatigue damage to the structure as a consequence of the applied loading. Analysis results are presented to the user in form of tabulated prints and graphic display of the usage factors. Along with the usage factors key parameters related to the fatigue check points are printed. Extended print of detailed results is possible. Such print includes print of hotspot transfer functions, moments of response spectrum, damage per sea state, damages per sea directions, damages per hotspots/elements, exceedence probabilities and stress range levels. The fatigue analysis may also be written to file (.VTF) and displayed as contour plots by Xtract. Submodel Analysis If fatigue sensitive areas in the structure have been identified, but uncertainties remain about stress concentration factors or stress gradients, analysis of a submodel may be useful. A submodel represents a detailed part of the original global analysis. Typical steps in a submodel analysis are: Make a finite element model of the area in question where all relevant detailed geometry is included, e.g. cut-outs, stiffeners, brackets, welds. Apply a refined mesh to represent local stress gradients of the area with sufficient accuracy Specify prescribed boundary conditions (displacements from the global analysis) around the perimeter where the submodel is to be connected to the original model (global model). The perimeter of the submodel do not have to match geometric lines in the global model Run Submod to transfer displacement results from the original global model into prescribed displacement along the boundary of the submodel Analyse the submodel in Sestra Perform fatigue checks in Stofat Detailed local models (submodels) can typically be the column/brace connection of a semisubmersible or the joint of a jacket structure. Even if the initial global analysis is a frame structure, e.g. created in Genie, the displacements can be transferred to a local model consisting of shell or solid elements. The local models perimeter does however need to match geometric points in the global model if it consists of beams. Within SESAM the fatigue evaluations of frame structures consisting of beam elements are performed in Framework, while fatigue assessments of shell and solid elements are performed in Stofat. Uncertainties in Fatigue Life Prediction There are a number of different uncertainties associated with fatigue life predictions. The calculated loading on the vessel is
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uncertain due to uncertainties in wave heights, periods and distribution of waves. The resulting stresses in the vessel are uncertain due to uncertainties in the loading, calculation of response and calculation of stress concentrations. Because of the sensitivity of calculated fatigue life to the accuracy of estimates of stresses, particular care must be taken to ensure that stresses are realistic. Fatigue damage is proportional to stress raised to the power of the inverse slope of the SN-curve. I.e. small changes in stress result in much greater changes in fatigue life. Special attention should be given to stress raisers like eccentricities and secondary deformations and stresses due to local restrains. Due considerations should, therefore, be given to the fabrication tolerances during fatigue design. Furthermore there is a rather large uncertainty associated with the determination of SN-curves, and there is also uncertainty associated with the determination of stress concentration factors.

Model generated applying a SESAM Pre-processor, e.g. Patran-Pre for individual superelements and Presel for assembly

Hydrodynamic loads are calculated in Wadam

Analysis of structure is performed in SESTRA and the result file *.SIN can be imported by Stofat

Contours of fatigue damage calculated in Stofat and presented in Xtract

Stofat is an integrated part of the SESAM system of programs. Shell and solid types of structures modelled by the SESAM pre-processors and subjected to hydrodynamic loading may be analysed using Sestra, which in turn creates a Results Interface File. Stofat reads this interface file and produces a database file. Model data and element stresses are transferred to Stofat and used in the calculation of fatigue damages.

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FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING FRAMEWORK

Framework checks the structural integrity of all types of offshore frame structures: jackets, jack-ups, decks, topsides and flare booms. All phases throughout the life cycle of the structure are covered: from the initial design to the re-qualification. Only the fatigue assessment capabilities of Framework are covered in this paper. A fatigue analysis in Framework is performed on a frame structural member in order to assess whether that member is likely to suffer failure due to the action of repeated loading. This assessment is made using Miners rule of cumulative damage, which delivers a usage factor representing the amount of fatigue damage that a member has suffered during the specified period. A fatigue analysis in Framework can be performed using either a deterministic approach a stochastic approach

SCF Factors A factor influencing the development of fatigue failure is the overall geometry of the joint and the detailed geometry of its weld. For any particular type of loading, the joint geometry governs the value of the stress concentration in the region where fatigue cracking is likely to initiate. This region is termed as the hotspot. In Framework, hotspot stress concentration factors (SCFs) may be specified by the user. For tubular members only, the user may alternatively have the SCFs automatically calculated by the program using a set of parametric equations based on the joint type (K, YT, X, etc.). Each hotspot is associated with 3 concentration factors. These are: SCF for axial stresses SCF for in-plane bending stresses SCF for out-of-plane bending stresses

M0: Out-of-plane moment M1 :In-plane moment Section A - A

For tubular members, SCFs are normally assigned at 8 hotspots per weld side. The hotspots are equally spaced around the pipe circumference. A SCF is defined as the factor by which the nominal stress due to pure axial force or pure in-plane/out-of-plane bending (at the stress point in question) must be multiplied in order to give the hotspot stress used in the damage calculation. In Framework the parametric SCFs are calculated by Kuang, Wordworth and Smedley, Efthymiou, Smedley and Fisher or NORSOK depending on the type of joint. Furthermore, Framework differs between global and local SCFs where the global SCFs are

Hotspot numbering system for a tubular section

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applied to all members and hotspots while the local SCF is applied to specific members and selected points. For further details reference is made to the Framework user manual. Fatigue Analysis The required model and methods for fatigue analysis for selfelevating units or jack-ups are dependent on type of operation, environment and design type of the unit. For units operating at deeper waters where the first natural periods are in a range with significant wave energy, e.g. for natural periods higher than 3s, the dynamic structural response need to be considered in the fatigue analysis. Structural Model and Fatigue Points Framework utilizes the structural model information read from the Results Interface File. Before accessing Framework, a (.SIN) file containing a complete model description for the structure and stress transfer functions of the loadings must have been generated. Deterministic Approach Fatigue checks can be performed by linear (Weibull) or piece-wise linear long term distribution of the stress range. A simplified or deterministic fatigue analysis may be undertaken in order to establish the general acceptability of fatigue resistance, or as a screening process to identify the most critical details to be considered in a stochastic fatigue analysis. The deterministic fatigue analysis should be undertaken utilising appropriate conservative design parameters. Deterministic Fatigue Applying Framework A deterministic fatigue analysis requires a deterministic hydrodynamic analysis (Wajac) followed by a static structural analysis (Sestra). The frame finite element model can be generated in Genie. Deterministic loads are obtained by stepping waves of various heights and directions through the structure in order to obtain (through a structural analysis) a stress history for each member at each of its hotspots. For each of the wave directions specified in the hydrodynamic analysis, it is necessary, in Framework, to specify the total number of waves passing through the structure. A long term distribution of wave heights is then produced for each of the wave directions in order to obtain, for each wave height, the associated number of waves. The long term distribution of wave heights may be obtained using either a long term Weibull distribution or a piece-wise linear distribution in H-logN space.

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Usually, the procedure adopted for a deterministic fatigue analysis in Framework is as follows: Definition of fatigue constants (target fatigue life, global SCFs, etc.) Assignment of chord members Modelling of local details (assignment of Can and Stub sections, etc.) Assignment of joint type and joint gap/overlap data Assignment of SCFs Assignment of SN curve Assignment of individual wave data Execution of fatigue analysis Printing of results

Stochastic Approach Stochastic fatigue analyses shall be based upon recognised procedures and principles utilising relevant site specific data or world wide environment data. Simplified fatigue analyses should be used as a screening process to identify locations for which a detailed, stochastic fatigue analysis should be undertaken. Fatigue analyses shall include consideration of the directional probability of the environmental data. Providing that it can be satisfactorily checked, scatter diagram data may be considered as being directionally specific. Scatter diagram for world wide operations (North Atlantic scatter diagram) is given in DNV classification note 30.5. Relevant wave spectra and energy spreading shall be utilised. Possible wave spectra to apply in a stochastic (frequency domain) fatigue analysis may be Jonswap, Pierson-Moskowitz, Gamma or Ochi-Hubble. Often a PiersonMoskowitz spectrum and cos4 spreading function is utilised in the evaluation of self-elevating or jack-up units. Structural response shall be determined based upon analysis of an adequate number of wave directions. Generally a maximum radial spacing of 15 degrees should be considered. Transfer functions should be established based upon consideration of a sufficient number of periods, such that the number and values of the periods analysed: Adequately cover the wave data Satisfactorily describe transfer functions at, and around, the wave cancellation and amplifying periods (consideration should be given to take account that such cancellation and amplifying periods may be different for different elements within the structure) Satisfactorily describe transfer functions at, and around, the relevant excitation periods of the structure.

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The fatigue damage itself is calculated using a Miners Rule. Stress concentration factors (SCFs) in tubular joints are automatically calculated according to Efthymiou or Kuang/Wordsworth-Smedley or manual input. Stochastic Fatigue Applying Framework A stochastic fatigue analysis requires a linearised frequency domain hydrodynamic analysis (Wajac) followed by a quasi-static or dynamic structural analysis (Sestra). The frame finite element model can be generated in Genie. Load transfer functions are obtained by passing a harmonic wave of unit amplitude at different frequencies and directions through the structure in order to obtain (through a structural analysis) a set of stress transfer functions for each direction for each member at each of its hotspots. Relevant data required to be defined in Framework are: Short term sea-states and corresponding probabilities in order to describe the long term distribution of the short term sea-states. A short term sea-state is characterised by a significant wave height and a zero up-crossing period. Probability of occurrence for each of the wave directions defined during the hydrodynamic analysis. The wave spectrum shape used may be either a JONSWAP, Pierson-Moskowitz, Ochi-Hubble or Gamma spectrum. Sea spreading data in order to define the number of elementary wave direction and the associated energy content.

Usually, the procedure adopted for a stochastic fatigue analysis in Framework is as follows: Definition of fatigue constants (target fatigue life, global SCFs, etc.) Assignment of Chord members Modelling of local details (assignment of Can and Stub sections, etc.) Assignment of joint type and joint gap/overlap data Assignment of SCFs Assignment of SN curve Assignment of sea state data Execution of fatigue analysis Printing of results

Analysis Results The fatigue utilizations can be displayed graphically on the screen or paper and printed in tabulated formats.

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Model generated applying a SESAM Pre-processor, e.g. Genie

Hydrodynamic loads and wind loads are calculated in Wajac

Analysis of structure is performed in SESTRA and the result file *.SIN can be imported by Framework

Results presented in Framework

Framework is an integrated part of the SESAM system of programs. Frame structures modelled with beam elements by the SESAM pre-processor Genie and subjected to hydrodynamic loading (Wajac) may be analysed using Sestra, which in turn creates a Results Interface File. Framework reads this interface file and produces a database file. Model data and element stresses are transferred to Framework and used in the calculation of fatigue damages.

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WIND FATIGUE ASSESSMENT IN FRAMEWORK

Wind fatigue analysis is also supported in Framework as a separate module. The wind fatigue module has its own internal data storage, separate from the data base of Framework. Many features of Framework are thus not available to wind fatigue calculations, Post processing facilities are limited to tabulated prints of fatigue damages of brace/joint intersections. The Framework wind fatigue module calculates the buffeting and vortex shedding induced fatigue damage. For details regarding the assumptions made in Framework reference is given to the Framework user manual and the Framework theory manual wind fatigue design. In this paper only a brief overview of the theoretical basis is presented. The Structural Model Structures modelled by two nodes 3D beam elements with uniform tubular sections may be analysed for wind fatigue damage. The fatigue module is primarily intended for fatigue calculations of frame structures such as flare towers. Similar to the other types of fatigue calculations in Framework a Result Interface File (.SIN) is required. Overview of Theoretical Basis and Assumptions The wind fatigue module evaluates fatigue damage of frame structures subjected to wind loading Buffeting loads due to wind gusts and the vortex shedding effects due to steady state wind are considered. Wind fatigue due to buffeting loads is treated by the power spectral density method and the damage is a function of the overall structural response. The effects of vortex shedding induced fatigue are treated by evaluation of individual member responses. The two effects are calculated on the assumption that they are uncoupled and are summed to give the overall fatigue damages of joints and members in the structure. The fatigue analysis is based on annual wind data characterized by a set of wind states, considered to represent the climate for the year. For each wind state, the response stress power spectra at local hotspots within a particular joint are evaluated.

For buffeting fatigue calculations the hotspot power spectrum response is divided into a quasi-static response part and a dynamic Typical hotspot stress spectrum due to wind loading response part, see Figure showing the typical hotspot stress spectrum due to wind loading. The quasi-static part of the power spectrum covers the low frequency non-resonant response. This spectrum has a broad peak at low frequencies but is treated as a narrow band at its peak frequency with one third of the stress variance of the low
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frequency broad band stress spectrum. The resulting damage is then multiplied by 10. This approach assumes that the quasi-static contribution to damage is small, so that a rigorous evaluation is not required. The dynamic response consists of the excited resonant modes. It is partitioned into separate resonant modal responses; for each of these an independent damage assessment is made. This assumes that each response is narrow band and independent of the others, but sometimes several modes, very close in frequency, are taken as one. For each of these dynamic and static partitions a Rayleigh distribution of the hotspot stress range versus the number of cycles is assumed. The variance is given by the integral under the power spectrum. Fatigue damage may then be evaluated by application of the Palmgren-Miner relationship and use of a recognised SN curve. Vortex shedding from brace members may induce oscillations in individual braces. These are local modes rather than overall structural modes. It is assumed that the vortex shedding effects are only of any significance for fatigue of they induce oscillations in the first mode of the brace. The major assumptions of wind fatigue calculation are: Buffeting damage is dominant by low frequency resonant modes The greatest hotspot stresses within a modal response cycle occur at maximum modal amplitude The structure is made of welded tubular members Parametric SCF equations or user specified SCFs are used to evaluate joint stress concentrations Wind forces are parameterized as linear fluctuating components superimposed upon mean wind profiles Wind gust velocities in the mean wind direction and normal to the mean wind both horizontally and vertically are statistically independent Member drag coefficients are invariant under the fluctuating wind component and are appropriate to the mean wind speed Vortex shedding induced member oscillations and fatigue are uncoupled from any buffeting induced vibrations and damage

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FATIGUE ASSESSMENT APPLYING POSTRESP

A Stochastic fatigue analysis requires that a linearised frequency domain analysis (Wadam, Wajac or Sestra) is executed first. This will generate a set of stress transfer functions which can be read into Postresp through the Hydrodynamic Results Interface File and used in the short or long term stochastic fatigue calculations. Stress component based stochastic analysis is offered in Postresp. The load transfer functions calculated by the wave load program (Wadam) are transferred to stress transfer functions. The load transfer functions normally include: Global vertical hull girder bending moments and shear forces Global horizontal bending moment Vessel motions in six d.o.f. Pressures for all panels of the 3-D diffraction model

The stress transfer functions are combined to a total stress transfer function and a stochastic fatigue evaluation is performed. Hence, the simultaneous occurrence of the different load effects is preserved. For further details reference is made to DNV classification note 30.7. Fatigue Models A stochastic fatigue analysis applying Postresp can be done directly on the result file from a hydrodynamic analysis in which case you can get short term or long term fatigue calculation on sections through the hydrodynamic model. This may be useful information in an early design stage. A stochastic fatigue analysis applying Postresp can also be done on the structural analysis results file. As fatigue analyses in Postresp work on the Hydrodynamic Results Interface File (G*.SIN) the structural analysis result file (R*.SIN) must be re-formatted. This is done in Prepost. The fatigue analysis can then be performed on stresses in specifically selected stress points (hot-spots). While Stofat calculates the fatigue for all the stress points within a superelement Postresp only calculates the fatigue for specified points. Therefore it is important that the engineer is able to specify the correct fatigue sensitive hot-spots. Short-term Fatigue Calculation In the short-term fatigue calculation, the fatigue damage can be obtained for a short term duration of a given sea state. The short term fatigue assumes Rayleigh distribution of the stress ranges and takes response spectra, SN-curves, and durations as input. The expected value for failure is then calculated and printed. Long-term Fatigue Calculation Long-term fatigue calculation can be calculated either based directly on a scatter diagram where Rayleigh distributions are
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assumed for each cell in the scatter diagram or based on a Weibullfit from a long term response calculation of the significant responses (stress ranges) of the cells in the scatter diagram. Both the short term and long term fatigue calculations are based on the assumption that a single-slope or bi-linear SN-curve is used. Results Presentation The total damage and the contribution to damage from each cell in the scatter diagram and for each direction is printed when requested.

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REFERENCES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Det Norske Veritas classification notes 30.7 Fatigue Assessment of ship structures September 1998 Det Norske Veritas Recommended Practice RP-C203 Fatigue strength analysis of offshore steel structures Det Norske Veritas Offshore Standard DNV-OSC104, January 2001 DNV Software STOFAT User Manual DNV Software Framework User Manual DNV Software Framework theory manual DNV Software Framework theory manual wind fatigue design DNV Software Postresp User Manual

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e-mail: dnv.software@dnv.com web: www.dnvsoftware.com

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