NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil: High Strength Hull Structural Steel

Comprehensive material data for NK A36 shipbuilding steel coil, including chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, equivalent grades, and applications for ship hull construction.

Hot rolling, controlled rolling, normalizing, TMCP, cutting, forming, welding

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Introduction

NK A36 is a high strength hull structural steel grade certified by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for shipbuilding applications. It is specified under the NK Rules for the Classification of Ships, Part K Materials. This steel offers a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa, excellent weldability, and good toughness at specified temperatures, making it suitable for critical ship structures. The grade corresponds to the higher strength series with a yield strength of 36 ksi (approx. 355 MPa) and is typically supplied in normalized or thermo-mechanically controlled processed (TMCP) condition as hot-rolled coils.

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of NK KA36 (A36) steel is tightly controlled to ensure excellent weldability and mechanical properties. The table below shows the typical ladle analysis requirements as per NK Rules. Microalloying elements like Nb, V, Ti may be added to achieve grain refinement and precipitation strengthening. Carbon equivalent (CE) is usually limited for good weldability.

ElementSpecified Value (max % unless range)Remarks
Carbon (C)≤0.18%Higher carbon may reduce toughness
Manganese (Mn)0.90–1.60%Depending on thickness and CE
Silicon (Si)≤0.50%Deoxidation element
Phosphorus (P)≤0.035%Phosphorus embrittlement control
Sulfur (S)≤0.035%For improved ductility
Aluminum (Al)≥0.015% (acid soluble)Fine grain practice
Niobium (Nb)≤0.05%Optional grain refiner
Vanadium (V)≤0.10%Optional precipitation hardening
Titanium (Ti)≤0.02%Optional for grain refinement
Copper (Cu)≤0.35%If applicable for corrosion resistance
Chromium (Cr)≤0.20%Residual element
Nickel (Ni)≤0.40%Residual element
Molybdenum (Mo)≤0.08%Residual element
Carbon Equivalent (CE)≤0.38% (typical)CE = C+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo+V)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for carbon-manganese structural steel similar to NK KA36. These values are not mandated by the classification society but are useful for design calculations. Data are for ambient conditions unless otherwise noted.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Condition / Remarks
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³At 20°C
Elastic Modulus (E)210GPaTensile modulus, ambient
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated from E and ν
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3Dimensionless
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.010⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)At 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)At 20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρ_e)0.20µΩ·mAt 20°C

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of NK KA36 are determined on test pieces taken in the longitudinal direction. Tensile test and Charpy V-notch impact test are mandatory. The values below represent the minimum requirements for various thicknesses. Impact test temperature is 0°C for grade A36.

PropertySpecified ValueUnitTest Condition
Yield Strength (ReH)≥355MPaThickness ≤ 50 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥345MPaThickness > 50 mm ≤ 70 mm
Yield Strength (ReH)≥325MPaThickness > 70 mm ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)490–620MPaAll thicknesses
Elongation (A)≥21%Gauge length 5.65√So, t ≤ 50 mm
Elongation (A)≥20%t > 50 mm ≤ 70 mm
Elongation (A)≥19%t > 70 mm ≤ 100 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV)≥34 (longitudinal)JAt 0°C, t ≤ 50 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV)≥24 (longitudinal)JAt 0°C, 50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Charpy Impact Energy (KV)≥27 (longitudinal)JAt 0°C, 70 < t ≤ 100 mm (subject to agreement)
Bend TestD=2a (180°)Thickness ≤ 25 mm; D=3a for thicker plates

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Fully Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAABSAH36High strength hull structural steel, same yield strength level
FranceBVAH36Bureau Veritas equivalent
Norway/GermanyDNV GLAH36Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd
UKLRAH36Lloyd's Register equivalent
ItalyRINAAH36Registro Italiano Navale
ChinaCCSAH36China Classification Society
KoreaKRAH36Korean Register
RussiaRSA36Russian Maritime Register of Shipping
JapanJIS G3106SM490A/C (close)Not identical, similar strength, but supplementary requirements needed

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Application Introduction

NK KA36 steel is predominantly used in the construction of seagoing ships, offshore platforms, and marine structures. Its high strength and good weldability allow weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity. The steel is suitable for cold forming and can be cut by flame, plasma, or laser methods. It is often delivered as coil for subsequent cutting and fabrication into various structural members.

Product Applications: Ship hull plates (deck, side, bottom), Longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, Stiffeners, girders, and stringers, Deckhouses and superstructures, Offshore structural modules, Barge and pontoon structures

Processed into products: Keel plates, Bilge strakes, Sheer strakes, Web frames and floor plates, Hatch coaming and coaming stiffeners, Deck beams and columns, Crane pedestals and foundations, Rudder horn and stern frame plates

Application industries: Shipbuilding and repair, Offshore oil & gas platforms, Marine engineering, Port and harbor construction, Bridge construction (where approved), Pressure vessels and boilers (subject to additional requirements)

NK A36 Shipbuilding Steel Coil Similar Substitute Materials with Close Properties

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
USAASTM A572Grade 50Similar yield strength, general structural quality, not classified for marine use without certification
EuropeEN 10025-4S355MLThermo-mechanical rolled, minimum yield 355 MPa, requires additional testing for ship approval
EuropeEN 10025-2S355J2Structural steel, similar strength, but less stringent toughness
ChinaGB/T 712AH36Chinese shipbuilding steel, equivalent to CCS AH36

Notes:

All data provided are based on publicly available NK Rules and typical industry practices. Actual supplied material may have tighter controls as agreed between buyer and manufacturer. Always refer to the latest edition of the classification society rules and product certificates for specific requirements. The thermal and electrical properties are typical and not part of the official material certification.

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