LNG Cargo Corner Panel Curvature Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LNG cargo corner structures face stress convergence due to hull deformation and thermal changes, leading to potential cracks in secondary barriers, increased weight, and reduced constructability, especially at acute angles where hardwood or plywood is used.
Innovation Solution
A corner panel design featuring a secondary barrier with curvature, integrated stress diverging parts, and shock-absorbing members, eliminating the need for hardwood or plywood, reducing primary barrier thickness, and enhancing constructability by forming a single body with round-shaped curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hardwood or plywood is used for the corner area to increase rigidity, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases and constructability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the corner panel from a flat plate to a three-dimensional arc-shaped structure. This parameter change allows the panel to achieve higher structural strength and rigidity through its curved geometry, eliminating the need for heavy hardwood or plywood reinforcement while maintaining constructability with standard materials.
2Reliability
If a flat joint is inserted in the gap between insulation panels, then the insulation continuity is improved, but the stress concentration at corner areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the corner panel by forming it with an arc shape that matches the curvature radius of the secondary barrier. This curved geometry eliminates stress concentration at the corner area by distributing thermal and mechanical stresses evenly, while maintaining insulation continuity through the integrated arc-shaped design that seamlessly connects with adjacent panels.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the corner area is made more rigid than flat areas, then the structural stability is improved, but the constructability is reduced due to acute angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acute-angled corner configuration with an arc-shaped panel that has a predetermined curvature radius. This curved design inherently provides structural stability and rigidity while being much easier to manufacture and install compared to rigid acute-angle constructions, as it can be formed from standard materials without complex joining operations.
4Stress or pressure
If the primary barrier thickness is increased to withstand stress, then the stress resistance is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric configuration from a flat panel to an arc-shaped panel with optimized curvature radius. This parameter change allows the primary barrier to achieve equivalent or superior stress resistance with reduced thickness, as the curved geometry inherently distributes and reduces stress concentrations, eliminating the need for thicker barriers and complex reinforcement structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design prevents stress convergence, reduces the risk of cracks, improves constructability, decreases weight, and enhances stability by mitigating impact loads through shock-absorbing members, resulting in a more reliable and efficient LNG cargo corner structure.
Implementation Method 1
installed on an internal side toward the inside of the cargo is a curvature member (121), which has a round-shaped curvature in order to connect flat areas, which intersect each other, with each other
Implementation Method 2
A shock-absorbing member can be interposed between the curvature member and the primary barrier
Implementation Method 3
interposed between an internal face of the main body and the curvature member is a secondary barrier (111), which is adhered to the internal face of the main body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a corner panel of an LNG cargo that includes a main body, which constitutes a corner area of the cargo, and a stress diverging part, which reduces the convergence of stress of the main body by being integrated with an internal face of the main body and being formed with curvature. Therefore, by forming the corner area of the LNG cargo in a single body having a round-shaped curvature, convergence of stress caused by the deformation of the hull and thermal deformation can be prevented, and possibility of crack in a secondary barrier can be removed. By allowing the secondary barrier to be formed in a curved shape, the constructability of the secondary barrier can be greatly improved. Since no hardwood key or plywood is required, the thickness of a primary barrier can be reduced as the stress is decreased and the reliability of the secondary barrier is improved, and the weight can be greatly reduced over the conventional cargo corner area.