Direct calculation method for nonlinear design loads of warship based on hydroelasticity theory

The calculation of the warship design load of the military rules of all countries in the world depends on rigid theory at present. However, with the day-by-day increase of the principal dimensions of a warship, the elastic effect of the hull on load responses has drawn the attention of designers. International calculation methods on the design load were compared with domestic calculation methods in the aspects of hydroelastic theory and tests. The evaluation methods from the domestic rule do not take full account of the importance of slamming load. Therefore, on the basis of three-dimensional nonlinear time-domain hydroelastic theory, the prediction method of load responses of ship in irregular waves was studied, and a direct calculation method of the nonlinear design load was proposed. Finally, on the basis of the direct calculation method, a new calculation process of design load of warship was presented. A comparison between experimental and theoretical results shows that the design loads based on the new calculation process are in good agreement with the direct calculation results. The effectiveness and accuracy of the new calculation process of design load are demonstrated.