Geometrical effects of pitting corrosion on reliability of unstiffened ship panel

Abstract

This research evaluates the reliability of pitted unstiffened ship panels in marine environments. The influence of real pit geometry at the deck and bottom positions of a capsized bulk carrier has been investigated considering both with and without buckling effects. The study explores whether the pit shape observed in hold frame of bulk carrier (ellipsoidal pits) have a significant impact on the reliability index than the pit shape observed in the inner bottom of tankers (conical pits). The effects of structural location, load condition, and buckling effects are explicitly considered to identify potential vulnerabilities arising from geometric influences. Although pitting corrosion has been extensively studied by many researchers, limited research has addressed the reliability implications of actual pit shapes observed from field inspections of ship structures. The results demonstrate that the combined effects of pit geometry, panel location, and buckling behavior significantly influence the time-dependent reliability of ship panels over time. The study provides insights into how real pit geometries influence the time-dependent reliability of ship panels under varying load conditions and locations, aiding structural design optimization and enhancing predictive models for assessing the safety and integrity of marine structures.

Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, 23(2), 2026, PP. 239-255