A computational investigation of the effects of localized corrosion on plates and stiffened panels

Structural components are prone to corrosion damage, especially when exposed to a sea environment. This article describes an investigation on the effects of local corrosion applied to plates and stiffened panels typically found in ship structures. Finite element investigations of initial buckling, ultimate collapse and post-ultimate responses are presented and described through the use of load-shortening collapse curves. Geometric imperfections and residual stresses were included in the model and results are compared to analytical calculations and available experimental measurements. This improved knowledge of the structural integrity of a damaged ship structure can be used to develop more efficient maintenance practices.