T&R Bulletin 2-36: Guidelines for Structural Finite Element Analysis of Marine Structures

Structural finite element analysis (FEA) is routinely used in design offices around the world. FEA approximates the structural response based on assumptions of the geometry and materials as well as load cases and boundary conditions. An accurate estimation of strains and stresses of interest to structural verification can be obtained with careful modeling and interpretation of results. Like all powerful tools and methodologies, the benefits of FEA are only apparent when used proficiently. However, if misapplied, it can yield incorrect and misleading results. This Guideline is developed to help address some of the ambiguities in the use of structural FEA and some of the most common modeling errors made by analysts working on the analysis of ship and offshore structures.