Strength Analysis and Optimization Recommendations for the Cargo Hold Sections of Ultra-Large Container Ships Based on an Improved High-Order Finite Element Method

As the size of ultra-large container ships continues to grow, their structural strength and safety in complex sea conditions face new challenges. Traditional higher-order finite element methods (HO-FEMs) often fall short in accurately assessing structural strength due to their insufficient consideration of highly nonlinear effects. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the strength of the hull section of ultra-large container ships based on an improved HO-FEM and offers optimization recommendations. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional HO-FEM in terms of convergence and computational efficiency when dealing with highly nonlinear problems, this study introduces a relaxation factor “z” to enhance the stability and computational accuracy of the algorithm. Subsequently, a finite element analysis of a 24,000 TEU container ship was conducted using the improved HO-FEM, considering four different load control parameter scenarios. The study focuses on the stress distribution in critical areas of the cargo hold. The results indicate that the improved method incorporating the relaxation factor “z” can more accurately capture stress concentration areas and reduce computational errors when handling nonlinear problems. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes optimization design recommendations for the hull section structure, providing important references for improving the structural strength and safety of ultra-large container ships.