This research is concerned with the nonlinear elastic-plastic analysis of ship curved bilge plate, located at the junction between ship's side and its bottom. After derivation of average stress-average strain relationships by finite element analyses of the models with varying dimensional and mechanical characteristics, the effects of any of parameters on the trends of such relationships is studied and interpreted. A commercial finite element code is used in such analyses. The boundary and loading conditions are tried to be adopted according to real practice. It is finally observed that the behaviour of such curved plates is entirely different from elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour and there is a reduction in their load carrying capacity after ultimate strength level. Finally, based on the obtained results, a set of empirical formulations are introduced in order to simulate the average stress-average strain relationship of such plate sections of the ship. These formulations have the capability of being used in the progressive collapse analysis of ship's hull girder.

Keywords: Bilge plate, Nonlinear elastic-plastic analysis, Initial deflection, Ultimate strength

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