LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil: High-Strength Hull Plate for Extreme Conditions

Comprehensive data sheet for LR DH46 shipbuilding steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical characteristics, equivalent grades, and applications.

Hot rolling, normalizing, thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP), quenching and tempering (optional)

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

LR DH46 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel grade specified by Lloyd's Register (LR) under the IACS Unified Requirement W11. It is designed for critical structural components in ship hulls and offshore structures where high strength, excellent weldability, and good low-temperature toughness are essential. DH46 exhibits a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa and is supplied in normalized or thermomechanically controlled processed (TMCP) condition. The 'D' designation indicates an impact test temperature of -20°C, ensuring reliable performance in cold environments. This grade offers a fine-grained microstructure with controlled carbon equivalent to maintain superior weldability without compromising strength.

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

The following chemical composition limits apply as per LR Rules for DH46 grade. All values are in weight percent. Microalloying elements such as Nb, V, and Ti may be added individually or in combination to achieve the required strength and toughness. The carbon equivalent (Ceq) is controlled for weldability and shall not exceed the specified limit.

ElementStandard Value (max, unless range given)Remarks
C≤ 0.20
Mn0.90 – 1.70
Si0.10 – 0.55
P≤ 0.030
S≤ 0.030
Al (total)≥ 0.015Acid soluble aluminium minimum
Nb≤ 0.05Optional microalloying
V≤ 0.10Optional microalloying
Ti≤ 0.03Optional microalloying
Cu≤ 0.35May be present from scrap
Cr≤ 0.25
Ni≤ 0.40
Mo≤ 0.08
N≤ 0.009
Ceq≤ 0.45Carbon equivalent (IIW formula)

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Physical Properties

The physical properties listed below are typical for low-alloy structural steels and are not part of the mandatory ship classification specification. They are provided for engineering calculations such as thermal stress analysis, heat transfer, and electrical resistance. Actual values may vary slightly with heat treatment and composition.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition
Density (ρ)7850kg/m³at 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPaat 20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaat 20°C
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Room temperature
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.0 × 10&supminus;&sup6;K&supminus;¹20–100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)46W/(m·K)at 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity460J/(kg·K)at 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.23µΩ·mat 20°C

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are tested in accordance with LR Rules. The values below apply to plate/coil thicknesses up to 50 mm. For thicker sections, slightly reduced strength and elongation may apply. Impact tests are carried out on longitudinal Charpy V-notch specimens at a temperature of -20°C, with a minimum average absorbed energy of 34 J.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥ 460MPaTransverse, t ≤ 50 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 – 720MPaTransverse, t ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A)≥ 17%Gauge length 5.65√So, t ≤ 50 mm
Bend Test (180°)d = 3a (no cracks)Bend diameter ratio, t ≤ 50 mm
Impact Energy (KV, -20°C)≥ 34JLongitudinal, min. average of 3 specimens

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Exact Equivalent Grades Under Classification Society Rules

Country/RegionStandard/RulesEquivalent GradeRemarks
International IACSIACS UR W11DH46Common designation across all members
USAABS RulesDH46American Bureau of Shipping
FranceBV RulesDH46Bureau Veritas
ChinaCCS RulesDH46China Classification Society
Norway/GermanyDNV RulesDH46DNV GL (now DNV)
South KoreaKR RulesDH46Korean Register
JapanNK RulesKD46Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
ItalyRINA RulesDH46Registro Italiano Navale
RussiaRS RulesDH46Russian Maritime Register of Shipping

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

LR DH46 steel is specifically certified for welded construction in ship and offshore structures. Its combination of high yield strength and excellent low-temperature toughness makes it suitable for heavily stressed members. It is widely used in newbuild and repair projects for both merchant and naval vessels, as well as offshore platforms, where weight savings and structural integrity are critical.

Product Applications: Hull main deck and strength deck plates, Bottom shell and bilge plates, Longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, Web frames and stringers, Jack-up rig leg chords and racks, Heavy-lift crane pedestals, Semi-submersible pontoon structures

Processed into products: Primary hull stiffeners (T-bars, bulb flats), Transverse frame webs, Bottom plate stiffeners, Side shell insert plates, Watertight flat panel assemblies, Hatch coaming and corner plates, Offshore module skid beams

Application industries: Shipbuilding and ship repair, Offshore oil and gas exploration, Marine renewable energy (wind turbine foundations), Heavy civil engineering (bridge construction), Naval defence

LR DH46 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar or Alternative Materials with Close Properties

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
International IACSIACS UR W11EH46Impact temperature -40°C; superior low-temperature toughness
International IACSIACS UR W11AH46Impact temperature 0°C; slightly lower toughness requirements
European UnionEN 10025-4S460MLThermomechanical rolled fine-grain structural steel; similar yield strength but not specifically a shipbuilding grade; additional certification may be required
USAASTM A572/A572MGrade 65 (Type 1)High-strength low-alloy structural steel with minimum yield 450 MPa; differs in impact test conditions and shipbuilding approval
ChinaGB/T 712DH46Chinese national shipbuilding steel equivalent; identical under CCS implementation

Notes:

Weldability: DH46 is designed for good weldability with conventional shipyard practices. Preheating may be required for thicknesses above 30 mm, especially when using low heat input processes. Through-thickness properties: For applications with significant out-of-plane loading, Z-grade requirements (Z25, Z35) can be specified in line with EN 10164 or ship classification rules. Corrosion resistance: As a standard carbon-manganese structural steel, DH46 requires protective coatings or cathodic protection in seawater environments.

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