Coupled horizontal and torsional vibration of a ship hull with large hatch openings

Abstract The higher-order theory of thin-walled girders, with mode-dependent stiffness parameters, is used to analyse coupled horizontal and torsional vibration of a ship hull as a nonuniform beam. A beam finite element of eight degrees of freedom is developed. Accuracy of the finite element procedure, in the case of a simple supported rectangular tube and channel girder, is checked. Application of the procedure for ship structures, analysing vibration of a pontoon with a large deck opening, is illustrated.