NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel - High-Strength DH47 Plate for Marine & Offshore Structures

Complete data sheet for NK Grade D47 (DH47) shipbuilding steel under Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) rules, covering chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, international equivalents, and application guidance.

Welding, hot forming (controlled), cold bending (with precautions), cutting (plasma/laser/flame), machining

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Introduction

NK Grade D47 is a high-strength, low-temperature tough steel plate specifically developed for ship and offshore structural applications. Conforming to the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) Part K rules and aligned with IACS UR W31, it offers a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa with excellent weldability and impact resistance at -20°C.
The designation D47 denotes a normalized, thermo-mechanically rolled, or quenched-and-tempered fine-grained steel with guaranteed notch toughness at -20°C (longitudinal 'D' condition).
It is widely used in:

  • High-stress hull members such as sheer strakes, bilge strakes, and hatch coamings
  • Container ship and bulk carrier structures
  • Offshore platforms, jack-up legs, and renewable energy foundations

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Chemical Composition

Chemical composition according to NK Part K and IACS UR W31 for Grade D47 high-strength steels. The steel is fully killed and fine-grain treated with Al and/or microalloying elements. Values are maximum unless otherwise stated.

ElementValue (max, unless range)Remarks
C0.18%
Si0.10 – 0.55%
Mn0.90 – 1.60%Can be higher depending on thickness and deoxidation practice
P0.025%
S0.025%
Cu0.50%
Cr0.25%
Ni0.80%
Mo0.50%
Nb0.02 – 0.05%As grain refiner
V0.05 – 0.10%Combined addition with Nb/Ti is common
Ti0.02%
Al (acid soluble)0.015% minRequired for fine-grain practice
N0.012%

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Thermal and Electrical Physical Properties

The following physical properties are typical for high-strength steel plates at room temperature unless different temperature indicated. They can be used for engineering calculations but are not mandatory per NK rules.

PropertyTypical ValueUnitTest Conditions
Density (ρ)7.85g/cm³20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (E)205GPa20°C
Shear Modulus (G)80GPaCalculated for ν=0.3
Poisson's Ratio (ν)0.3020°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)11.810⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α)12.610⁻⁶/K20–200°C
Thermal Conductivity (λ)50W/(m·K)20°C
Specific Heat Capacity (cp)460J/(kg·K)20°C
Electrical Resistivity (ρe)0.22Ω·mm²/m20°C

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are based on NK Rules for plates up to 100 mm thickness. Tensile and impact tests are performed in the longitudinal direction at specified temperatures. Note: For thicknesses >50 mm, elongation values reduce by 1% for every additional 25 mm, with a minimum of 14%.

PropertyRequired ValueUnitTest Conditions
Yield Strength (ReH) min.460MPat ≤ 100 mm
Tensile Strength (Rm)570 – 720MPat ≤ 100 mm
Elongation (A5) min.17%t ≤ 50 mm, gauge length L0=5.65√S0
Elongation (A5) min.16%50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Elongation (A5) min.16%70 < t ≤ 100 mm
Bending TestD = 3tBend angle 180°; applicable up to t ≤ 25 mm
Charpy V‑notch Impact Energy (KV) min., longitudinal47JTest temperature -20°C, t ≤ 50 mm
Charpy V‑notch Impact Energy (KV) min., longitudinal47JTest temperature -20°C, 50 < t ≤ 70 mm
Charpy V‑notch Impact Energy (KV) min., longitudinal47JTest temperature -20°C, 70 < t ≤ 100 mm

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Exact Equivalent Material Standards and Substitute Grades

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
International (IACS)UR W31DH47Direct technical equivalence; adopted by all IACS members
JapanNK Part KKD47 (syn. DH47)Original class designation, D denoting -20°C impact
USAABS RulesABS DH47American Bureau of Shipping, same toughness class
Norway/GermanyDNV RulesDNV DH47 (formerly NV D47)Det Norske Veritas, fully equivalent
UKLloyd's Register RulesLR DH47Certificate with -20°C Charpy guarantee
FranceBureau Veritas RulesBV DH47Equivalent in all technical delivery conditions
ChinaCCS RulesCCS DH47China Classification Society, identical requirements
KoreaKR RulesKR DH47Korean Register, equivalent material
ItalyRINA RulesRINA DH47Same mechanical and chemical envelope
RussiaRS RulesRS DH47 (D47)Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, accepted substitute

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Application Introduction

NK Grade D47 is designed for critical structural components exposed to high static and dynamic loads, particularly in cold-water or winter service conditions where good low-temperature toughness is required. Its typical applications include:

Product Applications: Hull plates and profiles for ice-classed vessels, Bottom and side shell plating of ultra-large container ships, Hatch coamings and upper deck strakes, Jack-up leg chords and rack plates, Brackets and stiffeners in high-stress areas

Processed into products: Transverse bulkhead plates (lower part), Sheer strake and stringer plates, Bilge keel connections, Main engine bed plate girders, Bollard and towing foundation plates, Offshore crane pedestal inserts

Application industries: Shipbuilding (container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, LNG carriers), Offshore oil & gas (topside modules, flare booms, living quarters), Offshore renewable energy (wind turbine jacket foundations, transition pieces), Marine lifting equipment (crane pedestals, heavy-lift vessel structures), Naval and defence (special high-strength hulls)

NK Grade D47 Shipbuilding Steel Similar / Comparable Material Substitutes

Country/RegionStandardGradeRemarks
JapanNK Part KAH47, EH47, FH47Same strength but different impact temperatures (0, -40, -60°C)
EuropeEN 10025-4S460M/MLThermomechanical rolled, min. 460 MPa yield, structural carbon steel (not specifically marine)
EuropeEN 10225S460G2+MOffshore structural steel with similar strength and toughness
USAASTM A131 / A131MDH36, DH40Lower strength shipbuilding steel (355, 390 MPa); DH47 is a direct upgrade
ChinaGB/T 712DH460Chinese shipbuilding steel grade, close mechanical properties
InternationalAPI Spec 2WGrade 60Steel for offshore structures with YS ≥ 415 MPa; suitable for less demanding parts

Notes:

Welding considerations: Low heat input consumables should be used to preserve the fine-grained structure. Preheating (typically 75–150°C) is recommended for thicknesses above 30 mm. Post-weld heat treatment is usually not required.
Certification: Material must be tested in the presence of a ClassNK surveyor, or with recognized mill certification according to NK approved manufacturing procedures. Ultrasonic testing per ASTM A578 or equivalent may be required for thickness ≥ 50 mm.
Additional delivery conditions: Can be ordered with normalizing, TMCP, or QT, as stated in the contract. The steel is supplied with shot blasting and shop primer unless otherwise agreed.

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