SENER develops the Finite Element Model for Dredgers

(Press Release) December 20, 2011

SENER has been hired by Murueta Shipyard for the creation of a global finite elements model of two sectional dredgers of 1,500 m3 and 2,600 m3, and with shipyard number 293 and 294 respectively and both technologically advanced and innovative. SENER will also develop the basic engineering of the central body for the nº 294, with the close collaboration of the design office of Astilleros Murueta. The study to be undertaken by SENER is the dredgers structural analysis in navigation with a wave with 120º out of phase and from the bow. The ship behavior will be study in sagging and hogging conditions and torsion stresses with waves from bulwark and quarter. The scope of the work includes the creation of a complete ship finite elements model for both dredgers from the basic engineering drawings developed by the shipyard, as well as local models for the cranes complying with ALM and ALS regulations and the shell opening for the suction pipe, providing solution for new operational challenges within the project. SENER has also conducted a structural study of the supports of the bottom valves and the deck supports of its actuators, with the aim of analyze the stress concentration areas. These results are impossible to be obtained with a wire frame model.

About the main particulars of the dredgers, they have a load capacity of 1,500 m3 and 2,600 m3 respectively and class Hopper Dredger, Unrestricted Nav, AUT-UMS, AUT-PORT, ALP Provision Cranes, ALP, Forward Maintenance Crane, ALM middle Maintenance Crane, and Dredging 8 miles from shore for the 1,500 m3 dredge and Dredging 15 miles from shore for the 2,600 m3 one. SENER has a highly qualified team for the development of structural analysis in vessels and other offshore units using the finite elements method.