DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate – High Strength, Low Temperature Toughness & IACS Certified

DNV Grade D460 is a normalised or thermo-mechanically rolled high strength hull structural steel with minimum yield strength 460 MPa, certified by DNV. Designed for low-temperature toughness at -20°C, it meets strict classification society requirements for marine applications.

Hot rolling followed by normalising (N) or thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP); cold forming and welding permitted with appropriate procedures

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

DNV Grade D460 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), complying with the IACS UR W11 unified requirements for hull structural steels. As a DH460 grade, it offers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa for thicknesses up to 50mm and guaranteed Charpy V-notch impact toughness at -20°C. The steel is supplied in normalised (N) or thermo-mechanically rolled (TM) condition, providing an optimised balance of strength, weldability and ductility. Its fine-grained microstructure and controlled chemical composition deliver excellent resistance to brittle fracture, making it suitable for critical structural components in shipbuilding and offshore engineering.

  • High yield strength reduces structural weight
  • Superior low-temperature impact properties
  • Good weldability with proper heat input control
  • Fully certified for maritime and offshore applications

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

Typical chemistry according to DNV rules and IACS UR W11 for DH460 high strength structural steel. Fine grain elements (Al, Nb, V, Ti) may be used individually or in combination to achieve the required yield strength and toughness. Carbon Equivalent (CEV) is controlled to ensure good weldability.

Chemical ElementsStandard ValueRemarks
C (Carbon)≤ 0.20Ladle analysis
Si (Silicon)≤ 0.55Ladle analysis
Mn (Manganese)0.70 – 1.70Ladle analysis
P (Phosphorus)≤ 0.030Ladle analysis
S (Sulphur)≤ 0.030Ladle analysis
Al (Aluminium, acid soluble)≥ 0.015Minimum required for fine grain practice
Nb (Niobium)≤ 0.05Optional grain refiner
V (Vanadium)≤ 0.10Optional grain refiner
Ti (Titanium)≤ 0.03Optional grain refiner
Cu (Copper)≤ 0.35Residual element
Cr (Chromium)≤ 0.20Residual element
Ni (Nickel)≤ 0.40Residual element
Mo (Molybdenum)≤ 0.08Residual element
CEV (Carbon Equivalent)≤ 0.45 (typical)CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Physical & Thermal Properties

These are typical values for carbon-manganese microalloyed high strength structural steels at room temperature, unless otherwise specified. They are not mandatory requirements of the DNV standard but are useful for design calculations.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Modulus of elasticity (E)205GPa20°C
Shear modulus (G)81GPa20°C
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.320°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.5 × 10⁻⁶1/K20 – 100°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.0 × 10⁻⁶1/K20 – 200°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)12.5 × 10⁻⁶1/K20 – 300°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)42 – 38W/(m·K)100 – 200°C
Specific heat capacity (c)460 – 500J/(kg·K)20 – 200°C
Electrical resistivity (ρₑ)0.22 – 0.3µΩ·m20°C

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical requirements according to DNV rules and IACS UR W11 for DH460 plate. Values depend on thickness (t) and test piece orientation (usually transverse). Impact tests are carried out at -20°C on standard Charpy V-notch specimens.

PropertyStandard RequirementUnitTest Condition / Thickness
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 460MPat ≤ 50 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 430MPa50 < t ≤ 70 mm, transverse
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 410MPa70 < t ≤ 85 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 – 720MPaAll thicknesses up to 85 mm, transverse
Elongation (A)≥ 17%t ≤ 50 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Elongation (A)≥ 17%50 < t ≤ 70 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Elongation (A)≥ 17%70 < t ≤ 85 mm, gauge length 5.65√S₀
Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV₂)≥ 41 (average) / ≥ 27 (single)J-20°C, longitudinal, t ≤ 50 mm
Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV₂)≥ 41 (average) / ≥ 27 (single)J-20°C, longitudinal, 50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Charpy V-notch impact energy (KV₂)≥ 41 (average) / ≥ 27 (single)J-20°C, longitudinal, 70 < t ≤ 85 mm
Bend testNo cracks or defects after bending 180°Mandrel diameter = 3 × thickness (t ≤ 50 mm)

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Standards and Replaceable Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalIACS UR W11DH460Unified requirement for hull structural steel, adopted by all IACS members
USAABS RulesABS DH460American Bureau of Shipping – identical toughness grade DH460
FranceBV RulesBV DH460Bureau Veritas – DH460 grade
ChinaCCS RulesCCS DH460China Classification Society – DH460
UKLR RulesLR DH460Lloyd's Register – DH460
JapanNK RulesNK DH460ClassNK – DH460
ItalyRINA RulesRINA DH460Registro Italiano Navale – DH460
South KoreaKR RulesKR DH460Korean Register – DH460

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

DNV D460 steel is designed for heavily loaded structural members in ships and offshore installations where weight saving and high toughness under dynamic loading are essential. It is easily weldable with standard procedures, provided preheat and heat input are controlled according to thickness and carbon equivalent. Its balanced chemistry allows hot and cold forming within specified limits.

Product Applications: Main deck and bottom shell plating of large vessels, Side shell and longitudinal bulkheads of container ships and bulk carriers, Crane pedestals and heavy lift gear on offshore vessels, Ship frames, girders and stiffeners in high stress zones, Column and pontoon structures of semi-submersible rigs, Foundation nodes for offshore wind turbines (with additional certification)

Processed into products: Transverse and longitudinal stiffeners, Rudder horns and stern frames, Bitts, bollards and towing structures, Hatch coamings and corner plates, Crane rail support structures, Brackets and flange plates in hull girder connections, Offshore module support beams, Caisson and pile sleeve components

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial and naval), Offshore oil & gas (platforms, jack-up rigs, FPSO), Marine heavy engineering, Port & harbour infrastructure, Renewable energy (offshore wind foundations, transition pieces)

DNV Grade D460 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Similar / Substitute Steel Grades

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
EuropeEN 10025-4S460M/MLThermomechanically rolled weldable fine grain structural steel; similar strength and impact toughness at -20°C (ML). Requires classification society approval for marine application.
EuropeEN 10025-6S460Q/QL/QL1Quenched and tempered structural steels with high strength; suitable if toughness class matches. QL1 guarantees impact at -20°C.
InternationalAPI 2W Grade 60API 2W-60For offshore structures; minimum yield 415–450 MPa but not identical. Can be considered with engineering assessment.
EuropeEN 10225S460G2+Q/MWeldable structural steels for fixed offshore structures; similar strength level and toughness categories. Usually requires qualification for ship hull construction.

Notes:

Welding guidelines: Use low-hydrogen consumables matching the mechanical properties; heat input typically 1.5–3.5 kJ/mm; preheat may be required for thicknesses above 30 mm. Forming: Minimum cold forming radius 3t is recommended. Hot forming may alter mechanical properties; re-normalising may be necessary. Certification: Products are normally supplied with DNV material certificate 3.1 or 3.2 according to EN 10204. Additional testing such as through-thickness tensile (Z-properties) can be specified.

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