Guidelines for Fatigue Strength Assessment Based on Fracture Mechanics Methodology released by CCS

China Classification Society (CCS) has released the Guidelines for Fatigue Strength Assessment Based on Fracture Mechanics Methodology.

These Guidelines were released on 23 November 2023 and will become effective on 1 January 2024.

This document delineates the assessment of hull structure fatigue strength using fracture mechanics methodology.

The load is typically computed through either the equivalent design wave method or the spectral analysis method.

These Guidelines are applicable to ships undergoing fatigue strength assessment based on fracture mechanics methodology as defined by the rules or guidelines established by the China Classification Society (referred to as CCS).

They are also relevant to ships voluntarily applying class notations specified in Section 1 [1.1.2], or ships for which CCS deems it necessary to consider crack growth effects.

Upon completing the fatigue strength assessment in accordance with the Guidelines and meeting the stipulated requirements, a class notation FFM (XX, YY) will be added.

Here, XX denotes environmental conditions (e.g., NA for North Atlantic, with a scatter diagram defined according to IACS Rec.34), and YY represents the design life in years.

For ships undergoing fatigue strength assessment as per the Guidelines, their structural design, construction procedure, and construction quality must adhere to the requirements outlined in the Rules for Classification of Sea-going Steel Ships or the Rules for Materials and Welding of CCS, or other relevant standards accepted by CCS.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Guidelines for Fatigue Strength Assessment Based on Fracture Mechanics Methodology