Experimental Test and Finite Element Analysis of Line Heating Method for Forming of Ship Hull Steel Plates

The purpose of this research is to examine and explain the mechanisms of the forming process called ‘line heating’ and to develop numerical tools for efficient calculation and prediction of its behavior. The forming process consists of heating at a (steel) plate in a predetermined pattern of lines by means of a gas torch so that the plate assumes a certain‚ curved shape. Today this method which is widely applied in the production of ship hull shell plate and construction is an alternative or supplement to other forming methods such as pressing and rolling. Considering a rational method for the determination of heating line patterns and heating among would be very beneficial. Much research is carried out in industry and at universities to achieve technology of this method‚ as the potential economic benefit is obvious. In this paper, experimental test and numerical simulation of Line Heating method has been done on naval plate- Grade E. Thermal and mechanical finite element analysis has been done separately. Experimental test results shows that with using Oxy-Acetylene gas heat we can make smooth curvature on plate. Effect of heat input and increasing of heating lines studied in this research. Results shows that increasing two heating lines on plate will increase maximum stress 6% and increasing heat input will enhance bending effect.