Ultimate Strength Behaviour and Optimization of Laser-Welded Web-Core Sandwich Panels under In-Plane Compression

In pursuit of more efficient load-bearing solutions for ship deck panels of Very Large Crude Carriers exposed to vertical hull girder bending forces, laser-welded web-core sandwich panels are considered as an alternative to conventional stiffened panels. The primary goal is to identify a lighter steel sandwich structure capable of matching the ultimate strength of conventional counterparts. Utilizing non-linear finite element analysis, the ultimate strength of conventional decks subjected to uniaxial compression is assessed. Attention is then shifted to laser-welded sandwich panels, with a detailed examination of how various design parameters influence their performance. Specifically, four key design aspects of unidirectional vertical webs, including face thickness, web thickness, web height, and web spacing, are optimized to strike a balance between weight and strength through structural optimization techniques combined with the response surface method. Ultimately, a comparison is drawn between the ultimate strength of these innovative steel sandwich panels and their conventional, stiffened counterparts. The findings reveal that web-core sandwich panels, when employed as an alternative, result in a notable reduction in hull weight, thereby showcasing the potential for a more efficient and sustainable approach in the maritime industry.