SCF equations in multi-planar welded tubular DT-joints including bending effects

Welded tubular connections exhibit significant stress concentrations at the weld vicinity, which may result in fatigue failure. Stress concentration factors (SCFs) in DT-joint are computed, based on an extensive finite element study. The present paper develops a methodology for the calculation of the maximum local stress, referred to as “hot-spot stress”, in a multi-planar DT-joint, with particular emphasis on the effects of bending moments on the braces and the chord. Special attention is focussed on the location where critical stress concentration occurs, as well as on the so-called “carry-over phenomenon” and its implications on the hot-spot stress value. Simplified design equations for fatigue design are proposed to determine SCF values due to bending in order to improve predictions with respect to existing design tools.     

On stress concentration factors for tubular Y- and T-Joints in frame structures

This paper is written as a result of some years experience with fatigue analysis of offshore jacket structures where the connections are made as tubular joints. The hot spot stresses at the tubular joints in such analysis are normally derived based on parametric equations for stress concentration factors. These stress concentration factors are normally related to the axial force in the brace. It is observed that the hot spot stresses at the crown positions of the tubular joint in some cases are significantly affected by the local loading on the chord and the bending moment in the chord. In order to use the existing formulae in these cases some engineering effort is required to derive correct hot spot stress. This work can be avoided by using the nominal stress in the chord as the basis for calculating the hot spot stress at the crown position instead of using the axial force in the brace as basis for the analysis. This also extends the validity of the equations for stress concentration factors for T- and Y- joints in design standards. The proposed modification makes it also simpler to include the effect of joint flexibility in a proper way. The basis for a proposed revision of the equations for stress concentration factors for these joints is presented in this paper. It is considered that this modification leads to minor changes of the computer code, but that it will save analysis work for engineers and reduce the possibility of calculating incorrect fatigue lives in tubular frame structures.     

预防和降低船上疲劳的“STEP”机制

该文通过综合分析业界有关研究成果和国际海事组织关于船上疲劳的有关导则手册,梳理当前普遍认同的导致船上疲劳的因素并结合实际分析在预防和降低船上疲劳的过程中所面临的障碍,有针对性地提出从社会(Society)、技术(Technology)、经济(Economy)和政策(Policy)层面共同着手建立关于预防和降低船上疲劳的“STEP”机制。     

Empowering Stakeholders to Manage Stinging Jellyfish: A Perspective

A global challenge is dealing with the risk of envenomation by the stinging jellyfish. Those who are affected include: the people stung, tourist providers; diving and adventure operations, beach and park authorities, life guards, commercial marine operators as well as local and centralized government; we focus on tourism. There is a diversity of jellyfish that pose a risk and they vary greatly in their ecology. Here, we propose five eco-groups of jellyfish to assist in prioritizing estimates of the risks to a broad clientele. Eco-groups are: (1) “Pulse species” that impact on beaches for short well-defined periods; (2) “Shelf-wide species;” (3) “Nearshore species;” (4) “Drifter species” and (5) “Deep sea species.” Great spatial variation and strong seasonality in the occurrence and abundance of jellyfish is the rule, rather than the exception, and this indicates that local knowledge and preventative action is the key to reducing the risk of envenomation. Managers can take control by getting involved in: predicting risk, detecting the presence of jellyfish and advising on/or providing barriers and protection, first responses and treatment of sting victims. Good communication and record keeping is critical within the stakeholder chain.     

Management control systems and performance: evidence from the Greek shipping industry

This study explores how Management Control Systems (MCS) enhance the performance of shipping companies. Based on data collected from semi-structured interviews, MCS are distinguished in three categories according to the purposes they fulfill: “Basic MCS” are implemented in order to set standards and support basic operations of the business, “Cost MCS” collect information about cost minimization while “External Information MCS” focus on compliance with the requirement of the cargo owners. Furthermore, evidence collected through a survey instrument addressed to shipping companies located in Greece suggests that the choice of MCS is contingent upon the strategy pursued by the shipping companies. Moreover, this paper tests whether shipping companies with an optimal fit between their strategies and their MCS experience superior business performance and a higher perceived usefulness of MCS. Results reinforce the notion that the performance of the shipping companies is contingent on the use of those control systems which are consistent with their strategies and a number of control variables such as experience of the person implemented the MCS, the size, and age of company.     

Prediction of most probable extreme values for jackup dynamic analysis

Many important technical issues in the design of deep water jackup rigs stem from the prediction of extreme values of global design parameters such as platform sway, base shear, and overturning moment. Several analytical methods primarily based on time-domain dynamic simulation have been recommended in SNAME T&R Bulletin 5–5A (hereafter referred to as “the Bulletin”) in the realm of the so-called most probable maximum extreme. This paper compares the four major dynamic, time-domain methods recommended in the Bulletin, investigates the random seed effect on each method, exams the convergence of the statistical properties within the recommended time simulation, and presents the impact on the dynamic response due to various parameters, e.g. leg-to-hull flexibility, P-delta effect and foundation fixity. Comparison among the four methods is presented in terms of the calculated extreme values and the corresponding dynamic amplification factors. The structural models employed in this investigation were constructed to reflect the behavior of two jackup rigs in service. These rigs were purposely selected to represent two of the most widely used jackup designs, which are of different leg types, different chord types, and designed for different water depth.     

国际劳工组织及经修正的MLC 2006简介

自2013年MLC2006生效以来,该公约经过三次修正,现已获90个成员国批准,且这些国家的商船总吨位超过世界商船总吨位的91%。MLC2006的最新版本为“经修正的MLC2006”,其包括MLC2006以及已生效的“2014年修正案”和“2016年修正案”。MLC2006的结构分为“条款”与“规则和守则”两部分,并在其中插入了“海事劳工公约的规则和守则的解释性说明”。在MLC2006中,“规则和守则”的第3篇“起居舱室、娱乐设施、食品和膳食服务”与船舶设计、建造的关系密切。文中对第3篇,尤其是“起居舱室的一般要求”、“卧室”、“照明和餐厅”、“卫生设施”等内容作了介绍。     

Experimental and numerical studies on dynamic stress and curvature in steel tube umbilicals

The present paper addresses the stresses in dynamic steel tube umbilicals at the platform hang-off exposed to large motions corresponding to an extreme storm condition. Experimental tests were carried out by mounting fibre-optic Braggs inside steel tubes of a 9 m long umbilical specimen. Then the specimen was exposed to constant tension and dynamic curvature by means of a bellmouth and the stresses were measured. Realizing that the geometry of the umbilical cross section was too complex to apply full 3D modeling, a beam and penalty contact modeling procedure was applied to describe the extreme stress behavior. Then a simplified method was proposed to determine the contact stiffness which was further validated by full scale umbilical axial stiffness testing. As hoop contact interfaces between steel tubes and separation fillers were observed in the test specimen, a tailor-made contact element was formulated to facilitate hoop contact. Different modeling alternatives were used to investigate the hoop contact effect on the extreme axial stress and Coulomb friction stress range, which were further validated against measured dynamic axial stress. Good correlation was found by the combination of describing all contact interfaces and constraints due to the grooves in the inner sheath.     

The effects of chord length and boundary conditions on the static strength of a tubular T-joint under brace compression loading

Non-linear finite element analysis is used to assess the static collapse strength of a sample tubular T-joint configuration subjected to compressive brace loading. Two series of models are used to assess the effects of varying the chord length L, one series having simply supported chord ends and the other having fixed chord ends. It is shown that chord length and boundary conditions can have a significant influence on static collapse loads. The results are discussed in the light of current design procedures.     

整流罩对深海立管水动力影响的数值模拟研究

应用CFD大涡模拟方法,对附有整流罩的深海立管的水动力影响效果进行了三维数值模拟。对不同的弦厚比在雷诺数分别为3 900、10 000和20 000条件下进行模拟分析,得到立管后方阻力系数、升力系数、斯特劳哈尔数及其频谱等特性。模拟结果表明:整流罩对立管升力和阻力有明显的抑制效果,相较于光滑立管,阻力系数均值降幅最大达到24.1%,升力系数均方根值降幅最大达到81.1%。阻力系数均值随弦厚比的增加先减小后趋于平稳升力系数均方根值随弦厚比的增加而增加。对比结果显示,弦厚比为1.2~1.6时,整流罩对立管的升力和阻力抑制效果较好。     

强化重点工程项目档案管理的有效方法

介绍了坚持档案工作与建设工程的“五个同步”,牢牢抓住监理、施工、验收的“三个环节”,建立和推行以建设单位、监理单位、施工单位为“一体化管理”的工程档案计算机管理思路,从而强化工程项目档案的管理。     

风暴和作业状态下海洋自升式平台桩腿结构强度研究

利用ABAQUS/AQUA有限元软件,对某一典型倒K型桁架式桩腿在风暴和钻井作业载荷工况下结构强度进行了线性和非线性计算,获得了弦杆、斜撑和水平撑杆的应力和位移整体分布;详细分析了载荷方向对弦杆、斜撑和水平撑杆的应力和位移的影响;参考规范选取确定材料许用应力,对结构强度进行了校核。采用梁单元B31及矩形截面属性建立齿条板模型,并将其与弦管通过TIE单元进行绑定约束,模拟弦杆的真实结构,根据海流方向与弦杆夹角选择相应的水动力拖曳系数。     

Recreational Use of Developed Norwegian Shorelines: How Ambiguous Regulations Influence User Experiences

In principle, public rights of access to “outfield” along the Norwegian shoreline are protected by law. A case study from the village of Saltnes indicates that it is difficult for people to stay or walk along a populated shoreline area without feeling that they are violating privacy norms. Such “mental” barriers and subjective perceptions are not formally addressed in Norwegian regulations concerning legal rights of public access, but appear to affect the extent of recreational use. Interviews with property owners and visitors in Saltnes indicated that two key elements help to improve the situation. First, physical markers demarcating public land (“outfield”) and private land (“infield”) such as vegetation, small fences, signs, boulder walls, paths, and so on seem to reduce discomfort both for visitors and residents. Second, property owners and visitors value polite behavior highly, and communication between different groups of interests seems to clarify the challenging public/private divide. A main impression was that people find present rules and regulations unclear and diffuse and difficult to practice. It is relevant to ask whether the public accessible parts of developed and populated coastal zones are identifiable through the infield–outfield divide; more specific and adapted regulation of public traffic is needed on private shoreline properties.     

A probabilistic damage tolerance concept for welded joints. Part 1: data base and stochastic modelling

The present paper presents the necessary crack growth statistics and suggests stochastic models for a reliability analysis of the fatigue fracture of welded steel plate joints. The reliability levels are derived from extensive testing with fillet-welded joints for which the entire crack growth history has been measured, not only the final fatigue life. The statistics for the time to reach given crack depths are determined. Fracture-mechanics-derived crack growth curves are fitted to the measured experimental curves and the best fit defines the growth parameters involved for each test specimen. The derived statistics and distribution function for these parameters are used as variables in a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). In addition a Markov model is developed as an alternative stochastic model. It is a Markov chain for which the discrete damage states are related to chosen crack depths in the material. This model works directly with the experimental time statistics. It is a “stochastic bulk approach” not involving any random variables or fracture mechanics modeling. Both models are fitted to the data base and scaled to in-service conditions. Both methods are compared and discussed. The aim is to provide data for the variables used in a MCS and to develop a Markov chain for fast reliability calculation, especially when predicting the most likely influence of numerous future inspections.     

Cruise traveler satisfaction at a port of call

ABSTRACT

No studies have been conducted on cruise traveler expectations for a port of call in Asia. Current literature on general tourism shows that the research to measure traveler satisfaction is divided into two dominant approaches, the disconfirmation model, based on the Expectancy Disconfirmation Paradigm, and the perceptions-only model. However, previous disconfirmation models used different sample populations to measure traveler expectations and perceptions, resulting in biased results. The main objectives of this research was two-fold: (1) to develop a measurement scale for evaluating the expectations of cruise travelers during their visit to a port of call; and, (2) to examine the satisfaction of cruise travelers using the same sample population of the pre-visit expectations and post-visit experiences. The measurement scale for cruise travelers was developed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Three factors, “Overall convenience/People,” “Culture/Exploration,” and “Commodities/Attractions,” were extracted from the analysis. Among these factors, the “Culture/Exploration” factor explained the largest part of overall satisfaction. The results also showed that the perception-only model outperformed the disconfirmation model in explaining overall satisfaction. Additionally, overall satisfaction was found to have a greater impact on the intention to recommend the visit to others than on the intention to revisit.     

Comparing Fisher Interviews,Logbooks, and Catch Landings Estimates of Extraction Rates in a Small-Scale Fishery

Researchers are turning to alternative data sources (e.g., resource user knowledge) to provide information required for wildlife management. Little is known about the reliability of data elicited from resource users relative to data obtained from user-independent approaches (e.g., observations of fish catches). We test for consensus among three methods that quantify past (1996 to 2007) seahorse catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) for a small-scale, data-poor fishery in the Philippines: interviews with fishers about good, bad, and typical catch; fisher logbooks; and observations of catch landings. Interviews and logbooks indicated no trends in CPUE through time, consistent with results from the fisher-independent metric, catch landings. Although interview estimates of “typical” CPUE greatly exceeded “typical” observed catches and logbook estimates, interview estimates of “bad” CPUE were comparable. Catch landings estimates for a fisher in a particular year were uncorrelated to what he reported during retrospective interviews. Interviews should be used cautiously to inform specific catch targets (e.g., total allowable catches), although including interview questions about a range of catch experiences (e.g., good, bad and typical), may improve interview-derived data. Logbooks are particularly useful for capturing information about fishing expeditions that produce no fish, which are largely missed by other methods.     

Evaluating air emission inventories and indicators from cruise vessels at ports

This paper provides an estimation of air emissions (CO₂, NO_X, SO_X and PM) released by cruise vessels at the port level. The methodology is based on the “full bottom-up” approach and starts by evaluating the fuel consumed by each vessel on the basis of its individual port activities (manoeuvring, berthing and hoteling). The Port of Barcelona was selected as the site at which to perform the analysis, in which 125 calls of 30 cruise vessels were monitored. Real-time data from the automatic identification system (AIS), factor emissions from engine certificates and vessel characteristics from IHS Sea-web database were also collected for the analysis. The research findings show that the most appropriate indicators are inventory emissions per “port-time gross tonnage”, “port-time passenger” and “port time”. These emission indicators improve our understanding of cruise emissions and will facilitate the work that aims to estimate reliably and quickly the in-port ship emission inventories of cruise ports.     

电子商务对物流的影响

随着新经济概念的提出,电子商务与物流已成为炙手可热的字眼。目前大多数人都谈论物流对电子商务的作用,但笔者却认为电子商务最终会占据主导位置,影响物流业的发展。     

Hull-girder reliability of new generation oil tankers

A series of new generation oil tankers is presently under construction. These ships differ from traditional oil tankers by their unusual form and therefore direct hydrodynamic analysis is used to determine design vertical wave bending moments instead of adopting IACS rule values. The purpose of the paper is to quantify changes in hull-girder reliability resulting from the new design features. To achieve this, first-order reliability analysis is carried out with respect to ultimate collapse bending moment of the midship cross section of a new generation oil tanker and of a conventional “rule” designed oil tanker. The stochastic model of wave-induced bending moment is derived from direct hydrodynamic analysis performed according to IACS Recommendation No. 34 Standard Wave Data, Rev 1, 2000. The probability distribution of the still water bending moment is assumed based on the data from loading manuals. The model uncertainties of linear wave loads, non-linearity of the response as well as load combination factors are included in the reliability formulation. The reliability analysis is performed for three relevant loading conditions: full load, ballast and partial load and for two states of the hull: the “as-built” hull and “corroded” hull according to anticipated 20-year corrosion. One of the most interesting conclusions from the study is that the annual hull-girder reliability of new generation oil tanker is increased considerably compared to the conventional oil tanker. Sensitivity and parametric studies are performed with respect to random variables representing modelling uncertainties. The results of a sensitivity study enable sorting of pertinent variables according to their relative importance, while parametric study is used to quantify changes in the reliability indices for moderate variation of input parameters. Furthermore, some other results and discussions are presented pointing out the benefits of introducing the ship reliability methods in design practice, especially if this refers to new designs.