Research

Highlights

•  The FGM stiffener bearing plate is manufactured using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

•  The intricate microstructure was determined, comprising carbon manganese steel and stellite 6, together with its individual grains.

•  The newly produced combination of functionally graded materials (FGM) achieved an ultimate tensile strength of 720 MPa.

•  The strength and corrosion resistance of the newly produced functionally graded alloy were thoroughly studied.

•  An analysis was conducted on the fracture mechanism of a newly manufactured functionally graded material (FGM) and its constituent alloy. 

Highlights

Steel-coped beams are used in industrial structures to accommodate a cluster of water mains, fire hydrants, power cables, and telecommunication wires. 

• A novel coped beam for offshore topside is investigated and experimentally examined.

• FE model established and validated with experimental results.

• Buckling behaviour and failure patterns of the coped beam are studied in detail.

• The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method is suggested as an effective tool for the structural assessment of steel-coped beams.

Highlights

This study utilized experimental analysis to investigate the impact behaviour of steel and FGM stiffened coped beam, using drop weight impact testing. 

• The test utilized drop fall heights of 1 m, 3 m, 5 m, 7 m, and 10 m, respectively. 

• The strain gauge readings and displacements are monitored and recorded. 

• The results indicate that the corner of the cope and the impact region have had a greater impact on more susceptible areas, resulting in increased strains and displacements in that zone. 

• The newly fabricated FGM has significantly impacted the decrease in strains and displacements in the cope region.