FH32 ship plates are high-strength hull structural steel and are high-performance materials designed for harsh marine environments. In its naming rules, "F" represents marine steel (Floor Plate), "H" represents high toughness, and "32" corresponds to the minimum yield strength of 315MPa (N/mm²). This steel forms fine-crystalline ferrite-pearlite structure through microalloying (such as the addition of elements such as niobium, vanadium, titanium, etc.) and controlled rolling and cooling technology, giving it excellent comprehensive performance.
Core performance advantages
Excellent low-temperature toughness: FH32 ship plates are strictly controlled by chemical composition and purity management, and the impact function of -40℃ can reach more than 27J, which can effectively resist the risk of ice impact and low-temperature brittle breakage in polar seas. For example, during the ice area navigation of the Arctic route, the hull shell needs to withstand the double test of ice cube squeeze and a low temperature environment, and the high toughness of the FH32 ensures structural integrity.
High strength and lightweight: Compared with ordinary ship boards, the yield strength of FH32 is increased by about 30%. The thickness of the board can be reduced while maintaining the same structural strength and the hull's own weight. Taking the 100,000-ton cargo ship as an example, using FH32 can reduce weight by about 500 tons, significantly improving fuel economy.
Excellent welding performance: The carbon equivalent (CEV) is usually controlled below 0.40%. High-quality welded joints can be obtained without preheating before welding, greatly improving shipbuilding efficiency. In the construction of large container ships in segments, the efficient welding performance of the FH32 can shorten the welding cycle by 30%.
Typical application scenarios
Polar scientific research ship: Key parts such as the bow ice-breaking area and ice-breaking area reinforcement structure used to build ice-breaking boats. For example, the ice-breaking structure of China's "Xuelong 2" polar scientific research ships uses FH32 steel.
LNG transport ship: As a cargo tank support structure and hull shell material, it can still maintain good toughness in a low temperature environment of -163℃ to ensure the safety of liquefied natural gas transportation.
Marine engineering equipment: suitable for pile legs, conduit frames and other structures of floating production oil storage devices (FPSOs), resisting seawater corrosion and wind and wave loads.
Technology development trends
With the development of polar waterways, FH32 ship plates are developing towards higher strength (such as FH40, FH46) and ultra-low temperature toughness (required for -60℃ impact work). At the same time, the research and development of environmentally friendly FH32 steel is also being promoted, further improving the resistance to seawater corrosion by reducing the phosphorus and sulfur content and adding environmentally friendly alloy elements.
