U-Shaped Load Spreading Structure for Tanker Web Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tank transport carriers face stress concentration and fatigue issues due to localized load deformation at terminal ends of coupling structures, leading to potential cracks and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load spreading structure with an elongated U-shaped reinforcing member that distributes the load across a larger expanse of the tank body, featuring varying heights and a bridge plate, welded to the tank body via a longitudinal pad and fillet welds, to manage stress and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling structure is affixed to the tank body for transferring towing loads, then the tank body can be towed and coupled, but stress concentration and fatigue occur at the terminal ends of the web
Solution Approach 1:
A load spreading structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the coupling structure's web and the tank body. This load spreading structure distributes the concentrated load from the web over a larger area of the tank body, reducing stress concentration at the web's terminal end while maintaining the coupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load spreading structure extends the load distribution in the longitudinal dimension along the tank body, transforming a point load into a distributed load over an enhanced longitudinal expanse. This dimensional change reduces the stress intensity at any single location.
2Strength
If the web terminal end is rigidly affixed to the tank body, then load transfer is efficient, but localized load deformation and cracking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The load spreading structure provides localized reinforcement at the web's terminal end where stress concentration occurs. By concentrating the reinforcing elements at this specific location rather than uniformly throughout the tank body, the solution addresses the local quality issue of stress concentration while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
3Reliability
If reinforcement is added to reduce stress concentration, then fatigue life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load spreading structure is divided into multiple discrete components including transverse reinforcement members spaced along the longitudinal expanse and longitudinal reinforcement members. This segmentation allows the reinforcement function to be distributed across multiple simpler elements rather than requiring a single complex reinforcement system.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport tanker and a method of reinforcing a transport tanker are generally provided. The transport tanker may include a tank body, and a coupling structure, including a web extending from the tank body, for transferring a towing load to the tank body. A load spreading structure may be affixed to the tank body and configured to spread at least a portion of a load experienced by the tank body in a region proximate a terminal end of the web. The load spreading structure may include a reinforcing member including a elongated U-shaped member including two legs joined at a first end by an arcuate section. A respective one of the two legs may be at least partially disposed on opposed sides of the web with web at least partially received within an open second end of the U-shaped member.