DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate - High-Strength Low-Temperature Hull Structural Steel

Detailed material data for DNV Grade E550 shipbuilding steel plate, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal and electrical physical characteristics, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Typical processes: CNC plasma/laser cutting, automatic submerged arc welding (SAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), cold and hot forming, bending, shot blasting, and drilling. Preheating may be required for thick sections before welding.

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Introduction

DNV Grade E550 is a high-strength hull structural steel plate certified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) classification society. It belongs to the extra high-strength (EHS) category with a minimum yield strength of 550 MPa. The designation "E" indicates guaranteed impact toughness at -40°C, making it suitable for critical ship structures operating in cold environments. Key features:

  • Excellent low-temperature toughness (≥50 J at -40°C)
  • High strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight designs
  • Good weldability with controlled carbon equivalent (Ceq ≤0.43% for TMCP)
  • Available in thicknesses up to 100 mm in quenched & tempered or TMCP delivery condition
  • Full compliance with DNV Rules Pt.2 Ch.1 for offshore and marine applications

Typical uses include deck plating, bottom shells, longitudinal stiffeners, and offshore platform components.

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Chemical Composition

Typical chemical requirements for DNV Grade E550 according to DNV Rules Pt.2 Ch.1 Sec.3 Table 3. All elements are max values unless a range is indicated. Micro-alloying elements (Nb, V, Ti) are added for grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. The carbon equivalent (Ceq) is limited to ≤0.43% for TMCP condition or ≤0.47% for Q+T condition.

Values shown are for product thicknesses ≤100 mm; for thicker gauges the manufacturer's specification must be checked.

Chemical ElementStandard ValueRemarks
Carbon, C≤0.20%Max. for all thicknesses
Manganese, Mn0.90–1.70%Typical range
Silicon, Si0.10–0.55%Killed steel, fine grain practice
Phosphorus, P≤0.025%Max.
Sulfur, S≤0.025%Max.
Aluminium, Al (acid soluble)≥0.015%Min. for fine grain
Niobium, Nb≤0.06%Micro-alloying, grain refinement
Vanadium, V≤0.10%Optional strengthening
Titanium, Ti≤0.02%Optional, max.
Chromium, Cr≤0.25%Residual / intentional
Nickel, Ni≤0.40%May be higher for thicker plates
Molybdenum, Mo≤0.08%Residual
Copper, Cu≤0.30%Residual
Nitrogen, N≤0.012%Unless bound by Ti or Al
Carbon Equivalent (Ceq)≤0.43 (TMCP) ≤0.47 (Q+T)Based on IIW formula: Ceq = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The physical properties listed are typical for quenched and tempered (or TMCP) high-strength low-alloy steels similar to DNV E550. These values are not mandatory per classification rules but are representative for design calculations. Slight variations can occur based on exact heat treatment and chemical composition.

PropertyStandard ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³Room temperature
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPaTensile, ambient temperature
Shear Modulus (G)79GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's ratio (ν)0.3Elastic range
Thermal expansion (α)12.0 13.5µm/m·K20 – 100 °C 20 – 300 °C
Thermal conductivity (λ)45 40W/m·K20 °C 200 °C
Specific heat capacity (cp)500 550J/kg·K20 °C 200 °C
Electrical resistivity (ρe)0.18µΩ·mAmbient temperature

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties as per DNV rules for finished products. All tensile and impact test specimens are taken transverse to the rolling direction unless otherwise agreed. Impact testing is carried out at -40°C for grade "E".
Bend test: bending angle 180° without cracking, mandrel diameter depending on thickness.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Yield Strength (ReH)≥550MPaFor thickness t ≤100 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)670 – 830MPaPlate thickness ≤100 mm
Elongation (A, Lo=5.65√So)≥16 ≥14 ≥12%t ≤ 50 mm 50 < t ≤ 70 mm 70 < t ≤ 100 mm
Impact Energy (KV) - longitudinal≥50 (average of 3 tests) ≥35 (single min.)J-40°C, V-notch, standard specimen
Impact Energy (KV) - transverse≥34 (average) ≥24 (single min.)J-40°C, V-notch
Bend Test (180°, mandrel dia. = d)d = 3a d = 4at ≤ 50 mm (a = specimen thickness) 50 < t ≤ 100 mm

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Identical Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country / RegionStandard / SpecificationGradeRemarks
International (IACS)ABS – Bureau of ShippingEH550Identical mechanical and toughness requirements, mutually recognised
United KingdomLR – Lloyd's RegisterEH550Fully equivalent for marine applications
FranceBV – Bureau VeritasEH550Equivalent grade under BV NR216
ChinaCCS – China Classification SocietyEH550Same requirements per CCS Rules Part 1
South KoreaKR – Korean RegisterEH550Identical designation and technical delivery conditions
JapanNK – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)EH550Corresponds to ClassNK KEH550
ItalyRINA – Registro Italiano NavaleEH550Fully interchangeable for shipbuilding
RussiaRS – Russian Maritime RegisterEH550Equivalent under RS Rules for Ships

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Application Introduction

DNV E550 steel plate is engineered for severe marine and offshore environments where high strength, -40°C low-temperature toughness, and reliable weldability are essential. The steel is suitable for weight-critical ship structures exposed to dynamic loads and cold climatic conditions.
Typical usage guidance:

Product Applications: Hull plates and shell plating for ice-class vessels, Deck plates of large container ships and bulk carriers, Self-elevating platform legs and spudcans, Transition pieces (TP) for offshore wind turbine monopiles, Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) modules

Processed into products: Longitudinal stiffeners and web frames, Bottom shell and bilge keel components, Crane boom chords and lattice structures, Heavy-lift pad eyes and padeye reinforcements, Jack-up leg rack plates, Foundation grillages and base plates, Low-temperature pressure vessel shells (with supplementary approval)

Application industries: Shipbuilding and marine engineering, Offshore oil & gas platforms (fixed and floating), Renewable offshore wind foundations, Heavy lifting and transport equipment, Port machinery and crane construction

DNV Grade E550 Shipbuilding Steel Plate Similar/Alternative Material Recommendations

Country / RegionStandard / SpecificationGradeRemarks
EUEN 10025-6S690Q / S690QLHigher yield strength (690 MPa), also low-temperature toughness, often used as stronger alternative; careful weldability evaluation needed.
USAASTM A514 / A517Grade QQuenched & tempered plate, min yield 690 MPa, similar toughness class; dimension range differs from DNV.
EUEN 10025-4S550M / S550MLTMCP structural steel with min 550 MPa yield; comparable structural application but not usually certified for marine class.
JapanJIS G 3106SM570High tensile structural steel, min tensile 570 MPa; may require supplementary low-temperature treatment for E550-equivalent toughness.

Notes:

  • Plates are normally delivered in trimmed, shot-blasted condition and coated with a temporary shop primer.
  • Additional testing such as through-thickness properties (Z-quality), CTOD, or ultrasonic examination (class A/B/S) can be specified at order.
  • For thicknesses above 40 mm, transverse impact values are commonly required by classification rules; confirm with the specific project specification.
  • Preheating and interpass temperature control during welding must follow approved welding procedure specifications (WPS), typically 75–150°C depending on plate thickness and hydrogen risk.
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