DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate: Composition, Properties and International Equivalents

Comprehensive material data sheet for DNV Grade E normal-strength hull structural steel. Includes chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, fully equivalent classification society grades, similar substitute steels, and typical applications in shipbuilding and offshore structures.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP)

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

DNV Grade E is a normal-strength hull structural steel governed by the DNV classification rules, primarily used in ship and offshore structure construction. It ensures reliable toughness at 0°C, making it suitable for moderate climate conditions. The steel is characterized by a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa for thicknesses up to 50 mm, with excellent weldability and formability. Its chemical composition is carefully controlled, with micro-alloying and grain refinement elements such as aluminium to guarantee fine-grain structure and consistent impact properties. Grade E can be supplied in normalized or thermo-mechanically controlled processed (TMCP) condition, subject to full classification society inspection.

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of DNV Grade E ensures optimum balance between strength, toughness and weldability. Maximum limits for carbon, phosphorus and sulfur are strictly controlled, while manganese provides the required strength. Aluminium is added for grain refinement. Residual elements like copper, chromium, nickel and molybdenum are kept low to maintain consistent properties and avoid hardenability issues during welding. Carbon equivalent typically does not exceed 0.38%.

ElementSpecified ValueRemarks
C≤0.18mass %
Si0.10 – 0.50mass %
Mn0.70 – 1.50mass %
P≤0.035mass %
S≤0.035mass %
Al (total)≥0.015when used for grain refinement
Cu≤0.20residual element
Cr≤0.20residual element
Ni≤0.40residual element
Mo≤0.08residual element
Ceq≤0.38carbon equivalent, according to DNV formula

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for hot-rolled carbon-manganese structural steels and can be used for general engineering calculations for DNV Grade E. Slight variations may occur depending on the exact heat treatment condition, rolling direction and test temperature. Values are given at room temperature unless specified otherwise.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³at 20°C
Elastic modulus (E)200GPaat 20°C
Shear modulus (G)80GPaat 20°C, derived from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3at 20°C
Thermal expansion coefficient (α)11.5 × 10⁻⁶K⁻¹between 0°C and 100°C
Thermal conductivity (λ)52W/(m·K)at 20°C
Specific heat capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)at 20°C
Electrical resistivity (ρe)0.16 × 10⁻⁶Ω·mat 20°C

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of DNV Grade E are verified by tensile testing at room temperature and Charpy V-notch impact testing at 0°C. The values vary with plate thickness. Bend tests (through-thickness or face-bend) are also required for thicker plates. All tests are performed on samples taken in the longitudinal direction unless otherwise agreed. Impact energy requirements apply to full-size specimens (10×10 mm); lower values permitted for sub-size specimens according to DNV rules.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield strength (ReH)≥235MPaThickness ≤50 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥225MPa50 < Thickness ≤70 mm
Yield strength (ReH)≥215MPa70 < Thickness ≤100 mm
Tensile strength (Rm)400 – 520MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A5)≥22%Thickness ≤50 mm, gauge 5.65√So
Elongation (A5)≥21%50 < Thickness ≤70 mm
Elongation (A5)≥20%70 < Thickness ≤100 mm
Impact energy (KV2)≥27J0°C, longitudinal, full-size specimen
Bend test (angle 180°)No cracksThickness ≤25 mm, former diameter = 3×thickness
Bend test (angle 180°)No cracks25 < Thickness ≤50 mm, former diameter = 4×thickness

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Fully Equivalent Grades from Other Classification Societies

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel VesselsABS Grade EFully equivalent normal-strength hull steel
France / InternationalBV Rules for the Classification of Steel ShipsBV Grade EFully equivalent
UKLR Rules and Regulations for the Classification of ShipsLR Grade EFully equivalent
ChinaCCS Rules for Classification of Sea-going Steel ShipsCCS Grade EFully equivalent
JapanNK Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel ShipsNK Grade EFully equivalent
ItalyRINA Rules for the Classification of ShipsRINA Grade EFully equivalent
KoreaKR Rules for the Classification of Steel ShipsKR Grade EFully equivalent

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

DNV Grade E steel is designed for welded structures in shipbuilding and offshore engineering where good notch toughness at 0°C is required together with moderate strength. It can be formed, bent, and welded using standard shipyard procedures. This grade is typically selected for large hull plates, stiffening elements, and structural members that are subject to dynamic loading and require guaranteed low-temperature toughness.

Product Applications: Hull shell plates, Deck plating, Transverse and longitudinal bulkheads, Superstructures and deckhouses, Flat bars and bulb profiles for stiffeners

Processed into products: Shell frames and web frames, Girders and stringers, Floors and transverse beams, Bilge keels, Rudder horns, Hatch coaming stays

Application industries: Shipbuilding (commercial vessels, naval ships), Offshore oil & gas platforms and FPSOs, Marine renewable energy structures (wind turbine foundations), Port and harbour construction (piling, fenders), Heavy machinery and structural engineering

DNV Grade E Shipbuilding Steel Plate Materials with Comparable Chemical and Mechanical Properties

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalASTM A131 / A131MA131 Grade EComparable shipbuilding steel under ASTM; similar strength and toughness at 0°C
European UnionEN 10025-2:2019S235JRSimilar yield/tensile strength, but not class-approved for marine service and no guaranteed charpy at 0°C without additional options
JapanJIS G 3101:2020SS400Similar strength range, typically used for general structures, without classification society certification
ChinaGB/T 700-2006Q235BEquivalent carbon steel grade with similar yield point; requires additional impact test at 0°C for substitution

Notes:

DNV Grade E plates must be produced under a DNV-approved manufacturing process and are subject to detailed survey during production, testing, and marking. Ultrasonic testing according to DNV Class requirements is often mandatory. For welded structures exposed to low seawater temperatures, additional low-temperature impact testing or enhanced CTOD testing may be required by design. All material should be accompanied by DNV certificates valid at the time of supply. Surface condition and tolerances shall meet DNV specification unless otherwise agreed.

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