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DH36 | HSLA Steel Shipbuilding Steel

DH36 | HSLA Steel Shipbuilding Steel

DH36 is a high-strength structural steel used mainly in shipbuilding. It conforms to the ASTM A131/A131M standard. The “DH” denotes the grade, where “D” stands for high-strength and “H” indicates heat treatment. Equivalent grades include ABS DH36, LR DH36, and BV DH36. DH36 steel features high yield strength, good toughness, and excellent weldability. It is primarily used in ship hull construction, offshore structures, and marine engineering projects.

Description

What Is DH36?

DH36 is a high-strength structural steel primarily used in shipbuilding. It consists of approximately 98% iron and 2% carbon and alloying elements. This steel is characterized by its solid form and is typically dark grey in color. Key properties include high yield strength, good toughness, and excellent weldability. DH36 is commonly used in the construction of ship hulls, offshore structures, and marine engineering projects. It is produced through the hot-rolling process and falls under the category of high-strength, low-alloy steel.

Characteristics of DH36

DH36 steel offers high tensile strength and excellent toughness. It has good weldability, allowing for easy fabrication. The steel’s resilience in harsh marine environments makes it ideal for shipbuilding. It is also resistant to corrosion, enhancing its durability. DH36 is commonly used in constructing ship hulls and offshore structures. For applications requiring even higher strength or specific properties, consider steel grades like AH36, EH36, or FH36. These alternatives provide variations in strength and toughness to meet diverse engineering needs.

Chemical Compositions

ElementContent (%)
Carbon, C≤ 0.18
Silicon, Si0.10 – 0.50
Manganese, Mn0.90 – 1.60
Phosphorus, P≤ 0.035
Sulfur, S≤ 0.035
Nitrogen, N≤ 0.012
Copper, Cu≤ 0.35
Chromium, Cr≤ 0.20
Nickel, Ni≤ 0.40
Molybdenum, Mo≤ 0.08
Vanadium, V≤ 0.10

Physical Properties

PropertyMetricImperial
Density7.8 g/cm³0.282 lb/in³
Melting Point1510 °C2750 °F
Boiling Point
Thermal Conductivity50 W/m·K29 Btu·ft/(h·ft²·°F)
Electrical Conductivity6.99 × 10⁶ S/m12.1 % IACS
Specific Heat Capacity486 J/kg·K0.116 Btu/(lb·°F)
Thermal Expansion Coefficient12 x 10⁻⁶ /°C6.7 x 10⁻⁶ /°F
Electrical Resistivity1.43 x 10⁻⁷ Ω·m8.6 x 10⁻⁷ Ω·in

Mechanical Properties

AC (Air Cooled) Sate

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength490 – 620 MPa71 – 90 ksi
Yield Strength≥ 355 MPa≥ 52 ksi
Brinell Hardness HB170 – 220170 – 220
Rockwell Hardness HRB80-9580-95
Vickers Hardness HV180 – 240180 – 240
Elongation21% (in 200 mm)21% (in 8 in)
Elastic Modulus210 GPa30.5 msi

QT (Quenched & Tempered) State

PropertyMetricImperial
Tensile Strength490-620 MPa71-90 ksi
Yield Strength355 MPa51.5 ksi
Elongation21%21%
Reduction of Area50% (typically)50% (typically)
Impact Absorption Energy34 J at -20°C25 ft·lbf at -4°F
Elastic Modulus200 GPa29 msi

Industries & Applications

IndustryApplication
ShipbuildingHull structures, Deck plating, Bulkheads, Keels
Offshore StructuresOil rig platforms, Subsea pipelines, Wind turbine foundations, Support frames
Bridge ConstructionMain bridge girders, Suspension cables, Bridge deck panels, Arch ribs
Heavy MachineryExcavator arms, Crane booms, Bulldozer blades, Forklift frames
AutomotiveChassis components, Frame rails, Suspension arms, Crossmembers
ConstructionStructural beams, Column supports, Reinforcement bars, Steel pilings
Pressure VesselsBoiler shells, Reactor vessels, Heat exchangers, Storage tanks
EnergyWind turbine towers, Power plant boilers, Solar panel mounts, Turbine casings

Machining

Heat Treatment

  • Normalizing: Heat to 900-940°C, hold for 1 hour per inch, air cool.
  • Annealing: Heat to 830-870°C, hold for 1 hour per inch, furnace cool to 600°C, air cool.
  • Hardening: Heat to 880-920°C, hold for 1 hour per inch, quench in water or oil.
  • Tempering: Heat to 540-680°C, hold for 1 hour per inch, air cool.
  • Stress Relieving: Heat to 600-650°C, hold for 1 hour per inch, air cool.

Surface Finish

  • Shot Blasting: Cleans and prepares surfaces using abrasive material, making them ready for coating and improving adhesion.
  • Sand Blasting: Uses sand particles to clean and roughen surfaces, suitable for various applications.
  • Pickling and Passivation: Chemical treatment removes contaminants and rust, enhancing corrosion resistance and creating a smooth surface.
  • Polishing: Uses abrasive material to make surfaces smooth and shiny, often for aesthetic purposes.
  • Electroplating: Applies a metal coating using electric current to improve corrosion resistance and appearance.
  • Painting and Coating: Adds a protective layer to prevent corrosion and enhance durability and appearance.

*Customization is available upon request.

Disclaimer

The provided heat treatment and surface treatment processes are general guidelines. Actual conditions may vary depending on specific applications and requirements. It is recommended to consult with a professional metallurgist or material scientist to tailor the processes to your particular needs. The information herein is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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