A theory of coupled beams for strength assessment of passenger ships

This paper describes a coupled beam method, which estimates elastic response in the longitudinal bending of a passenger ship with a large multi-deck superstructure. The method can be applied during an early project stage, when detailed three-dimensional finite element modelling is not yet possible. The theory is based on the assumption that each deck in the superstructure and also the main hull can be considered as a thin-walled beam. These beams are coupled to adjacent beams with springs modelling vertical and shear stiffness. The shear effect in the side and deck structures is included with options for large openings. As a result, the method allows for the calculation of the normal stresses and vertical deflections in the arbitrary location of the hull girder. Average longitudinal displacements of deck structures and shear stresses in the side structures can be estimated as well. Simplified structures were analysed in order to validate the coupled beam method against the three-dimensional finite element method. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.