LR DH42 (DH420) High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil

LR DH42 (DH420) High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil

LR DH42 (DH420) High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil - Comprehensive Material Data

Detailed analysis of LR DH42 (also designated as DH420) shipbuilding steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, international equivalents, and application guidelines.

Hot rolling, thermomechanical rolling, normalizing, cold forming, welding, bending, cutting

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

LR DH42 (commonly referred to as DH420 in the Lloyd's Register rules) is a high-strength steel grade for ship hull structures, certified by Lloyd's Register. The 'DH' designation indicates good low-temperature impact toughness at -20°C, while '42' or '420' corresponds to a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa. This normalized or thermomechanically rolled steel offers an excellent combination of strength, weldability, and toughness, making it suitable for critical structural components in shipbuilding. It complies with the latest LR Rules for the Classification of Ships, ensuring reliable performance in marine environments. The steel is typically delivered in coils and later processed into plates or profiles.

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

The chemical composition according to LR Rules for DH420 grade (thickness ≤ 100 mm). The steel is fully killed and fine grain treated with aluminium, niobium, vanadium, and/or titanium. The carbon equivalent (Ceq) is controlled to ensure excellent weldability. All values are maximum unless a range is given.

ElementStandard Value (max %)Remarks
Carbon (C)0.21Max; lower for thicker plates
Silicon (Si)0.10 – 0.55Range
Manganese (Mn)1.70Max
Phosphorus (P)0.025Max; low P improves toughness
Sulfur (S)0.025Max; low S for cleanliness
Copper (Cu)0.35Max
Chromium (Cr)0.20Max
Nickel (Ni)0.40Max
Molybdenum (Mo)0.08Max
Aluminium (Als)0.015 minAcid-soluble, minimum for fine grain
Niobium (Nb)0.02 – 0.05One or combination; sum of Nb+V+Ti ≤ 0.12%
Vanadium (V)0.05 – 0.10As above
Titanium (Ti)0.02 maxAs above
Carbon Equivalent (Ceq)0.45 maxCeq = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Physical and Thermal Properties

These values are typical for normalized high-strength low-alloy shipbuilding steel. Actual properties may vary slightly with composition and heat treatment. Data are provided for general engineering calculations and are not part of normative LR requirements.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitCondition / Temperature
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)200 – 210GPaAt room temperature
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaEstimated
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Elastic range
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.5 – 12.5×10⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.5 – 13.5×10⁻⁶/K20–200°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)13.5 – 14.5×10⁻⁶/K20–400°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)45 – 50W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460 – 500J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.20 – 0.25µΩ·mAt 20°C

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Tensile testing is performed on transverse test pieces according to LR Rules. Impact tests (Charpy V-notch) are carried out at -20°C on longitudinal specimens. For thickness > 50 mm, elongation values are slightly reduced. Minimum yield strength (ReH) applies for thickness ≤ 100 mm; for larger thickness, special agreement may be required.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)420 minMPaRoom temp., thickness ≤ 100 mm, transverse
Tensile Strength (Rm)530 – 680MPaTransverse, all thicknesses
Elongation (A)18 min%5.65√So gauge length; thickness ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A)17 min%Thickness > 50 mm up to 70 mm
Elongation (A)16 min%Thickness > 70 mm up to 100 mm
Impact Energy (KV2)42 min (longitudinal)JAt -20°C; average of 3 tests, single min 28 J
Bend TestNo cracks-180° bend over former = 3 x thickness (t ≤ 35 mm)

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Direct Equivalents – Same Strength & Toughness Class

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalLloyd's Register (LR)DH420Base grade; -20°C impact
Norway / InternationalDNVDL420Same yield and toughness class
France / InternationalBureau Veritas (BV)A420-20°C impact grade
USA / InternationalAmerican Bureau of Shipping (ABS)AH420May have slight test temperature difference; verify
ChinaChina Classification Society (CCS)AH420Equivalent to DH420
Italy / InternationalRINAA420Technical delivery conditions aligned
JapanClassNK (NK)K420Equivalent in NK rules
KoreaKorean Register (KR)A420Same mechanical requirements

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

LR DH420 steel coil is specifically designed for high‑stress ship and offshore structural components. Its high strength enables weight reduction without sacrificing safety, while guaranteed low‑temperature toughness ensures reliable service in cold climates and North Atlantic conditions. The material is typically processed into plates, profiles, and stiffeners during ship construction.

Product Applications: Hull shells and decks, Bottom plate assemblies, Longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, Web frames and stringers, Reinforcement plates for high‑stress areas (hatch corners, crane pedestals)

Processed into products: Ship main deck plates (coils cut to size), Side shell plates, Bilge strakes, Keel plates, Stiffeners (bulb flats, angles, T‑bars), Transverse web frame web plates, Offshore platform leg chords and bracings

Application industries: Shipbuilding (cargo vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers), Offshore engineering (jack‑up rigs, semi‑submersibles, FPSO modules), Marine and port constructions, Heavy civil engineering where high‑strength weldable steel is required

LR DH42 High Strength Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar Materials – Close in Strength or Application

Country / RegionStandardGradeRemarks
InternationalLRDH40Lower yield strength (390 MPa); still high strength
InternationalDNVVL D40Similar toughness, lower yield
InternationalEN 10025-6S420QLQuenched and tempered structural steel, min yield 420 MPa, but different delivery and application
InternationalAPI 2W2W-50Steel for offshore platforms, similar strength level (≥414 MPa)
JapanJIS G 3106SM490YFor welded structures, min yield 365 MPa, not direct substitute but may be used in some less demanding structures

Notes:

Important: The designation 'DH42' is often an industry shorthand for LR DH420. Official LR certificates will show DH420. When ordering, specify thickness, delivery condition (N or M), and required impact temperature (-20°C for DH). The material is suitable for welding with low‑hydrogen procedures; preheat may be needed for thick sections depending on carbon equivalent. Consult LR Rules for the latest edition and any supplemental requirements for specific ship types.

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