DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate | High Strength 550 MPa Yield for Marine Structures

Comprehensive material data for DNV Grade D550 shipbuilding steel plate: chemical composition, mechanical/physical properties, international equivalents and application guide for marine and offshore engineering.

Welding, cutting, cold forming, bending, straightening

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

DNV Grade D550 is a high-strength shipbuilding structural steel with a minimum specified yield strength of 550 MPa, certified according to DNV rules. It belongs to the D-grade toughness category, meaning impact testing is performed at -20°C. The steel is typically supplied in a thermomechanically rolled (TMCP) or quenched and tempered (QT) condition, offering an excellent combination of strength, weldability and low-temperature toughness. It is widely used in critical components such as hulls, decks, and offshore platforms where weight savings and structural integrity are paramount. The plate thickness can reach up to 100 mm, with adjusted mechanical properties for thicker gauges.

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition limits for Grade D550 are in accordance with DNV rules for high-strength structural steel. The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated. Carbon equivalent (CEV) is controlled to ensure excellent weldability: CEV ≤ 0.43% for thickness ≤50 mm, CEV ≤ 0.45% for 50-100 mm. Elements such as Nb, V and Ti are added for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening.

Chemical ElementStandard Value (max, %)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.20Heat analysis
Silicon (Si)0.10 – 0.55Heat analysis
Manganese (Mn)0.70 – 2.00Heat analysis
Phosphorus (P)≤0.025Heat analysis
Sulfur (S)≤0.020Heat analysis
Aluminum (Al)≥0.020 (total or acid-soluble)Minimum for fine grain practice
Niobium (Nb)≤0.06Heat analysis
Vanadium (V)≤0.10Heat analysis
Titanium (Ti)≤0.05Heat analysis
Nitrogen (N)≤0.012Heat analysis
Copper (Cu)≤0.35Residual element
Chromium (Cr)≤0.25Residual element
Nickel (Ni)≤0.40Residual element
Molybdenum (Mo)≤0.08Residual element

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Physical Properties

The following thermal and electrical properties are typical for high-strength shipbuilding steel and are provided for reference. These values are not part of the DNV D550 specification but are commonly used for design and engineering calculations. Actual values may vary depending on specific manufacturing and composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)210GPaAt 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)81GPaAt 20°C
Poisson Ratio (ν)0.3-At 20°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹Between 20°C and 100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.20μΩ·mAt 20°C

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are specified per DNV rules for plates in the delivery condition (TMCP or QT). The yield strength requirement is relaxed for thicknesses above 50 mm. Impact toughness testing is carried out at -20°C on Charpy V-notch specimens; minimum values apply to longitudinal direction (transverse values are 70% of longitudinal). Bend test is performed with the specified mandrel diameter.

PropertyStandard Requirement ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)≥550MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥530MPaThickness > 50 – 70 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥510MPaThickness > 70 – 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)670 – 880MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A5)≥16%Thickness ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A5)≥15%Thickness > 50 – 70 mm
Elongation (A5)≥14%Thickness > 70 – 100 mm
Bend Test (Mandrel Diameter)3t-t = plate thickness, for t ≤ 25 mm, bending angle 180°
Bend Test (Mandrel Diameter)4t-t = plate thickness, for t > 25 mm, bending angle 180°
Impact Energy (KV, longitudinal)≥27JAt -20°C, 10×10 mm Charpy V-notch specimen
Impact Energy (KV, transverse)≥19JAt -20°C, 10×10 mm Charpy V-notch specimen, when specified

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Completely Equivalent International Standards and Designations

Country/RegionStandardGrade/DesignationRemarks
InternationalAmerican Bureau of Shipping (ABS)DH550Same yield & temperature class (D = -20°C)
InternationalLloyd's Register (LR)DH550Same yield & temperature class
InternationalBureau Veritas (BV)DH550Same yield & temperature class
InternationalChina Classification Society (CCS)DH550Same yield & temperature class
InternationalNippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK)KD550K = high strength, D = -20°C, 550 MPa yield
InternationalKorean Register (KR)DH550Same yield & temperature class
InternationalRINA RulesDH550Same yield & temperature class
InternationalRussian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS)DH550Same yield & temperature class

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

DNV D550 steel is specifically designed for highly stressed marine and offshore structures. It is suitable for heavy-load applications where weight reduction and high strength are critical. The steel demonstrates excellent weldability thanks to low carbon equivalent, and its good toughness at -20°C ensures safe operation in cold environments. It can be shaped by cold forming and bending, provided the appropriate bend radii are maintained. Typical delivery condition (TMCP or QT) provides a favorable strength-to-toughness balance and allows welding with standard procedures (preheating may be required for thick sections).

Product Applications: Hull plates and shell plates, Main deck and strength deck plates, Hatch coamings and container cell guides, Heavy-lift crane pedestals and booms, Truss structures for offshore platforms, Caissons and subsea templates

Processed into products: Stiffeners and longitudinals, Bulkheads and frames, Web plates and flange plates in built-up girders, Reinforcement pads and doubler plates, Lifting lugs and padeyes, Transition pieces for wind towers

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial and naval vessels), Offshore oil & gas platforms, Offshore wind energy (monopile and transition pieces), Heavy civil engineering and bridge construction (when accepted by project specification), Mining and heavy machinery (if dual certified)

DNV Grade D550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Similar or Alternative Steel Grades

Country/RegionStandardGrade/DesignationRemarks
InternationalDNVA550Yield 550 MPa, impact test at 0°C (less tough)
InternationalDNVE550Yield 550 MPa, impact test at -40°C (higher toughness)
InternationalABSEH550Yield 550 MPa, impact test at -40°C
EuropeEN 10225S550G2+M / S550G2+QOffshore structural steel, yield 550 MPa, similar toughness (can substitute with agreement)
InternationalAPI2Y-60Offshore structural steel, yield ≥60 ksi (414 MPa) lower strength; only approximate
InternationalASTMA514 Grade B / SQuenched & tempered alloy steel, yield ≥690 MPa; higher strength, may require special welding

Notes:

This grade is typically ordered to DNV rules including additional testing requirements such as through-thickness property (Z-test) when specified. Material certification is provided according to EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2. Weld repair procedures must meet the relevant DNV welding standard. For thicknesses above 50 mm, close consultation with the steel mill is recommended to verify delivery conditions and mechanical properties. The information corresponds to the latest DNV Pt.2 Ch.1 public edition; always refer to the current ship classification rules for the exact requirements.

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