A Multihull Boat’s Fatigue Analysis at Early Design Phase

Fatigue analysis and life cycle prediction of a naval craft or a commercial ship are one of the most critical phases of structural integrity calculations. Many structural failures have occurred due to insufficient structural design, production methods, and inappropriate operational environmental conditions. As a result of the deterioration of the structural integrity, the occurrence of both vital and economic losses becomes inevitable. This paper emphasises the importance of fatigue and life cycle analyses at the early design phase since the fatigue phenomena are generally considered in the late design stages. In this study, fatigue calculations and life predictions were carried out by the Palmgren–Miner method. The wave rosette, also called long-term wave directionality, was used as the wave spectrum approach. Based on wave loads and accelerations, an FE analysis was carried out using the Maestro Marine Altair Partner Alliance (APA) software. The undamaged life prediction of the vessel was calculated based on different sea states and vessel speeds. A specific scenario, which was prepared based on the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, was also analysed to compare the fatigue life of the vessel with regards to safe operating conditions for passengers and crew. In this study, the effect of sea states, environmental conditions, and materials used on the fatigue behaviour of the vessel are discussed and analysed. As a result of this study, the shortest and the longest undamaged life spans based on the loading scenarios are put forth clearly. Analyses and calculations prove that loading scenario 5 is the most effective scenario in terms of the undamaged life span of the boat. On the contrary, loading scenario 1 gives the shortest service life. The main reason behind this phenomenon is the relation between the fatigue endurance limit and load cycles.