Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Ultimate Carrying Capacity of a Funnel Structure with Opening under Wind Pressure

This study presents experimental and finite element investigations on the ultimate strength of the funnel structure of a large passenger ship subjected to wind pressure. An experimental test is conducted using a similar model to analyze the failure characteristics of the funnel structure. The model is designed based on similar theories to simulate the progressive collapse behavior of an actual ship’s funnel under wind load. Additionally, a simplified wind loading device is also developed to apply large wind loads. Practical insights are provided in the research to assess the opening’s influence on reducing the ultimate strength of funnel structures when suffering wind pressure. Results represent the failure initiated at the edges of the large opening, with stress concentration primarily occurring at the stiffener end, showing good agreement with the simulated results performed using the finite element method. Furthermore, the effects of different parameters on the ultimate strength of the funnel structure are discussed by using the numerical method. This analysis provides an important guide for the design of funnel structures of passenger ships with openings.