CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate - High Strength Quenched & Tempered for Critical Marine Structures

Explore the detailed material properties, chemical composition, mechanical and thermal characteristics of CCS Grade AQ47 shipbuilding steel plate, including full international equivalent grades and application guidance.

Hot rolling, quenching and tempering, welding, hot/cold forming (with care due to high strength), machining

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

CCS Grade AQ47 is a high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel plate governed by the China Classification Society (CCS) Rules for Materials and Welding. It belongs to the family of ultra-high strength hull structural steels with a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa (designated as the 47 ksi class, reflecting its historical tensile strength reference).

  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio enabling lighter ship designs without compromising safety.
  • Controlled carbon equivalent and microalloying ensure good weldability and low-temperature toughness.
  • Available in normalized or quenched and tempered condition, meeting stringent requirements for notch toughness at 0 °C (Grade A).
  • Widely applied in the construction of high-stress zones of container ships, bulk carriers, naval vessels, and offshore platforms.

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition complies with CCS Rule requirements for high-strength quenched and tempered ships' steel. Values shown are maximum unless a range is given. The steel is microalloyed for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening to achieve the required mechanical properties. Carbon equivalent (CEV) is controlled to ensure weldability.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (max %)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.18Ladle analysis; product analysis may be slightly higher
Silicon (Si)≤ 0.55Deoxidizing element
Manganese (Mn)1.00 - 1.60Contributes to strength and hardenability
Phosphorus (P)≤ 0.020Low P for improved toughness
Sulfur (S)≤ 0.020Low S for improved cleanliness and Z-property when specified
Copper (Cu)≤ 0.35Residual element, beneficial for corrosion resistance
Chromium (Cr)≤ 0.30May be added for strength
Nickel (Ni)≤ 0.80Improves notch toughness
Molybdenum (Mo)≤ 0.50Increases hardenability
Vanadium (V)≤ 0.10Grain refiner and precipitation strengthener
Titanium (Ti)≤ 0.02Grain refiner, reduces weld zone softening
Niobium (Nb) / Columbium≤ 0.05Grain refiner, improves strength
Aluminium (Al) total≥ 0.015For deoxidation and grain refinement
Nitrogen (N)≤ 0.009Controlled to avoid ageing effects

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for low-alloy quenched and tempered steels and are provided for engineering design reference. Actual values may vary slightly depending on exact composition and heat treatment condition. These data are not specification requirements but serve as a guide.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remark
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At room temperature
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPaAt room temperature, tension
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and Poisson's ratio
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.30-Elastic range
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.810⁻⁶/°CAt 20-100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.510⁻⁶/°CAt 20-200°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)13.310⁻⁶/°CAt 20-400°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)47W/(m·K)At 20°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45W/(m·K)At 200°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)40W/(m·K)At 400°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρₑ)0.22µΩ·mAt 20°C

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical testing is carried out on transverse specimens in accordance with CCS Rules Part 1, Chapter 3. Unless otherwise agreed, testing is performed in the as-delivered (quenched and tempered) condition. Tensile and impact properties are guaranteed for plates up to 50 mm thickness; properties for thicker plates may require special negotiation.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH) min.460MPaTransverse, 0.2% offset, at room temperature
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 - 720MPaTransverse, at room temperature
Elongation after fracture (A5)≥ 17%Gauge length 5.65√So, transverse
Bend Test (180°)No cracks-Bend diameter = 3t (t = plate thickness), transverse
Charpy V-notch impact (KV2) min., at 0°C≥ 34 (average of 3), ≥ 24 (single)JTransverse, 10×10 mm specimen, for Grade A; higher temperatures for thicker plates may apply

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)UR W11A460 (or AQ460)Specifies minimum yield 460 MPa quenching & tempering steel; directly equivalent in chemical and mechanical requirements.
European UnionEN 10025-6S460QQuenched and tempered structural steel with min. yield 460 MPa and similar impact properties at 0°C (J0) or -20°C (J2).
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)ABS RulesAQ46ABS equivalent to 460 MPa QT steel; absorbed energy and chemistry aligned with IACS.
DNV (Det Norske Veritas)DNV RulesNV AQ470DNV designation; AQ473 indicates min. yield 470 MPa, technically compatible.
Lloyd's Register (LR)LR RulesAH47LR grade AH47 represents minimum tensile strength 47 kgf/mm² class, equivalent to 460 MPa yield.
Bureau Veritas (BV)BV RulesAQ460BV definition is 460 MPa minimum yield, fully interchangeable.
Korean Register (KR)KR RulesKA47KR 47K class matching 460 MPa Q&T steel.

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

CCS AQ47 steel is specifically engineered for critical load-bearing components in ships and offshore structures where high strength, good toughness, and weldability are essential. Its balanced chemistry and consistent properties make it suitable for heavily stressed areas. The following outlines common usage:

Product Applications: Container ship hulls and hatch coamings, Bulk carrier side shells and double bottom, LNG carrier membrane support structures, FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) modules, Naval destroyer and frigate decks and bulkheads, Offshore wind turbine transition pieces and foundation plates

Processed into products: Main deck plates and bottom strakes, Longitudinal girders and transverse web frames, Bilge keel and skeg plates, Heavy lifting padeyes and crane pedestal inserts, Collision bulkheads and ice strengthening frames, Thruster support structures, Fatigue-critical welded connections

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial and naval), Offshore oil & gas platforms (jackets, topsides), Port and heavy machinery, Bridge structural components exposed to marine environment, Pressure vessels and storage tanks (subject to code endorsement)

CCS Grade AQ47 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Similar/Comparable Material Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
ChinaGB/T 712-2011 (Shipbuilding Steel)EH46 (AQ46)EH46 is normalised or TMCP high-strength hull steel with min. yield 460 MPa, but without mandatory Q&T; toughness may differ.
USAASTM A514/A517Grade B, H, QQuenched and tempered alloy steels with min. yield 690 MPa, higher strength than AQ47 but similar application in structural plates.
JapanJIS G 3128SHY685NSHigh yield strength plate for welded structures (min. yield 685 MPa), often used in shipbuilding but significantly stronger.
RussiaГОСТ Р 52927-2015 (Marine steel)К60 (К520)Welded structural steels for shipbuilding with yield strengths around 500-600 MPa; may serve as alternatives with design modifications.
GermanyDIN EN 10025-6S500QHigher strength (500 MPa) quenched and tempered steel; can substitute AQ47 in thicker sections with weight savings but requires revised welding procedures.

Notes:

Welding: Preheating may be required for thicknesses > 30 mm; low hydrogen processes and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) should be assessed. Through-thickness properties: Can be ordered with Z15, Z25, or Z35 quality per CCS rules to prevent lamellar tearing. Certification: Each plate is stamped with CCS mark and heat number traceability. When substituting with other classification society grades, confirm equivalence via IACS unified requirements.

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