Quasi-Static Characteristics Analysis for Barge Bow Structure Based on Experimental and FEA Study

In this paper, an experiment in a quasi-static conditions was carried out on barge bow model with its cross sections simplified. The characteristics of the bow structure were studied experimentally and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to compare with experimental results. The experiment was performed by a compression and shear testing machine and the model was axially collapsed by a rigid board. The collapse mechanisms, load-displacement curve and mean crushing strength were investigated. The study showed that basic collapse mechanism of barge bow was clarified in participates with inner diaphragms. Moreover, the accuracy of FEA to estimate mean crushing force were validated by comparing with experimental results.