BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil: High Strength Low Temperature Marine Grade

Comprehensive technical data for BV FH40 shipbuilding steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical properties, international equivalent grades, and application guidelines.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP), normalizing

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

BV FH40 is a high-strength shipbuilding structural steel grade certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) for marine applications demanding excellent toughness at temperatures down to -40°C.

  • High yield strength (≥390 MPa) combined with good weldability
  • Excellent low-temperature impact toughness (KV -40°C ≥ 41 J longitudinal)
  • Superior resistance to brittle fracture under harsh sea conditions
  • Controlled rolling or TMCP delivery condition for optimized microstructure
  • Strict chemical composition control for consistent quality

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

Chemical composition according to BV Rules for Grade FH40. The steel is microalloyed with niobium, vanadium and/or titanium to achieve fine grain size and high strength. Maximum limits are specified unless a range is given.

  • Low carbon content ensures good weldability
  • Aluminum is added as a grain refiner and deoxidizer
  • Controlled sulfur and phosphorus enhance toughness
ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon (C)≤ 0.16Ladle analysis
Silicon (Si)0.10 - 0.50Ladle analysis
Manganese (Mn)0.90 - 1.60Ladle analysis
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.025Ladle analysis
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.025Ladle analysis
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.20Ladle analysis
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.40Ladle analysis
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.08Ladle analysis
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.35Ladle analysis
Aluminum (Al) Total≥ 0.015Acid-soluble; for fine grain practice
Niobium (Nb)≤ 0.05Microalloying element
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.10Microalloying element
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.02Microalloying element
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.009Ladle analysis

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

Typical physical properties for FH40 steel at room temperature and elevated temperatures. These values are for reference and may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment.

  • Used for design calculations involving heat transfer and thermal expansion
  • Values are representative for low alloy structural steels
PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Modulus of elasticity (E)205GPa20°C
Shear modulus (G)79.3GPa20°C (calculated from E and ν)
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3-Ambient
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)20°C
Specific heat capacity460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical resistivity (ρ_e)0.2μΩ·mAmbient

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties as required by BV Rules for thickness ≤ 50 mm. Tensile testing is performed in the transverse direction unless longitudinal specimens are specifically agreed. Impact test temperature is -40°C. Values represent minimum requirements.

  • High yield strength allows weight reduction in hull design
  • Guaranteed elongation ensures ductility for forming
  • Stringent impact energy ensures safety in cold service
PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Upper yield strength (ReH)≥ 390MPaTransverse, t ≤ 50 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)510 - 650MPaTransverse, t ≤ 50 mm
Elongation after fracture (A5)≥ 20%Gauge length 5.65√So, transverse
Impact energy (KV) -40°C, longitudinal≥ 41JCharpy V-notch, average of 3 tests
Impact energy (KV) -40°C, transverse≥ 27JCharpy V-notch, average of 3 tests; if specified
Bend test (bend angle 180°)d = 3a-a = specimen thickness; t ≤ 35 mm; no cracks

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalIACS (Unified Requirement)FH40All member classification societies
USAABS RulesABS FH40American Bureau of Shipping
NorwayDNV RulesDNV FH40Det Norske Veritas
UKLR RulesLR FH40Lloyd's Register
JapanNK RulesNK FH40Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
South KoreaKR RulesKR FH40Korean Register
ChinaCCS Rules / GB 712CCS FH40 / FH40China Classification Society
ItalyRINA RulesRINA FH40Registro Italiano Navale

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

BV FH40 steel is designed for high-stress ship and offshore structural components operating in low-temperature environments. Its excellent toughness and strength-to-weight ratio make it suitable for lightweight yet robust designs. Typical applications include:

Product Applications: Container ships and bulk carriers, Oil tankers and LNG carriers, Offshore supply vessels (OSV), Icebreakers and arctic research ships, Jack-up rig legs and spudcans

Processed into products: Hull shell plates (bottom, side, deck), Longitudinal stiffeners and girders, Transverse bulkheads and web frames, Hatch coaming and corner reinforcement, Rudder and stern frame structures

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial and naval vessels), Offshore engineering (platforms, jack-ups), Marine equipment manufacturing, Polar class vessel construction

BV FH40 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar / Alternative Material Recommendations

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-4S420MLTMCP structural steel; -50°C impact; yield ≥420 MPa; close but not identical for marine approval
EuropeEN 10225 (Offshore)S420G2+MOffshore structural steel; -40°C impact; similar strength; may require additional certification
JapanJIS G3106SM490YA/BWelded structural steel; similar strength but impact temperature not guaranteed at -40°C; does not replace FH40 for marine class
InternationalAPI 2HGrade 50Offshore structural steel; similar yield but property verification needed for shipbuilding classification
ChinaGB 712EH40Chinese shipbuilding steel; impact at -40°C; yield ≥390 MPa; alternative within China except for BV stamp

Notes:

Welding: BV FH40 exhibits excellent weldability with low carbon equivalent (CE). Preheating is generally not required for thicknesses below 30 mm; for thicker sections, control of preheat and interpass temperature is recommended. Certification: Material must be tested and certified by Bureau Veritas surveyor. Ultrasonic testing per BV rules may be mandatory for critical applications. Surface condition: Steel is supplied with as-rolled or descaled surface; coil may be oiled for temporary corrosion protection.

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