ssc-367 - Ship Structure Committee

life. During the comprehensive design the best parameter to
increase is brace thickness while keeping t/T constant.
Further improvementsin fatiguelivesmaybe obtained by determining
the SCF through the use of finite elements analysis or models
tests. Another alternative to lower the SCF is to stiffen the
joints with rings and thus reduce the SCFS to the lower bound
values. However, considering the increased fabrication costs of
stiffened joints, the use of rings should be considered the least
desirable option to lower the SCFS and improve the fatigue lives.
The validity of SCF equations and their sensitivities to various
geometric parameters are illustrated in Appendix C. It is
recommended that the tables and figures provided are studied to
determine an acceptable approach compatible with the specific
problem on hand. A finite element study results are also included
in Appendix C to illustratethe range of SCFS for a typical complex
joint. Since empirical equations are applicable for only simple
joints, a FEA is recommended for determination of complex joint
SCFS.
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