Model test on the collapse strength of the buffer bow structures

The adoption of double hull system in the side hull of oil tanker has been recognized as an effective countermeasure to prevent a disastrous damage induced by collision accident which might cause cargo oil spill from a struck oil tanker. However, when considering that ocean-going vessels are increasing not only in size but also in speed, a threat of disastrous collision accident should be further mitigated even on the responsibility of striking ships. A series of crush tests using scale models of the buffer bow has been carried out. The test results were compared with those obtained by FEA Simulation and a simple analysis. The performance of the buffer bow is discussed focusing on the collapse mechanism and the P-delta characteristics. Then the guidelines for the practical design of buffer bow structure are presented. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.