Evaluating the Structural Performance of Ship’s Rudder Coatings

Computational simulations are used in many disciplines to determine levels of stress and deformation in a structure for comparison with material allowable limits. In this work, use is made of a detailed 3D model of a typical ship’s rudder to evaluate the stress and deformation characteristics of the rudder structural components including the corrosion control coating applied to the rudder surface. Three commercially available coating materials were evaluated. These coating selections represent a range of material characteristics from high ductility polymer to glassy. Design condition hydrostatic loads were used in all evaluations. Stress and deformation patterns within the rudder structure are discussed. Differences between the structural performance of the coatings are highlighted.