Structural Analysis of the Geometric Alternatives of Double-Bottom Floor Plates of a Panamax-Class Container Ship

To reduce weight and simplify maintenance, ship structures frequently include openings and cutouts. While these features offer practical advantages, they can weaken the structural integrity of key components. This study explores the effects of these geometric discontinuities on the double-bottom floor plates of a Panamax-class container ship under axial and transverse loads. Through numerical simulations and experimental testing, we analyzed different cutout configurations and stiffening strategies to assess their impact on stress distribution, plate thickness, and fatigue behavior. The results reveal that side cutouts significantly increase stress, particularly under transverse loads, while central openings have less impact. Additionally, increasing plate thickness consistently reduces stress levels across all models, improving structural durability. Fatigue analysis shows that certain stiffening configurations, particularly those with longitudinal stiffeners in the bottom plates, enhance fatigue life. These findings offer critical design insights for optimizing hull structures, balancing weight reduction with strength improvement. This study provides valuable recommendations for reducing stress concentrations and extending the fatigue life of ship components, contributing to more efficient and safer ship designs.