Advanced Marine Cargo Surveying Technique

Finite Element Analysis
Serving Marine Insurance Industry (Case Studies Included Below)

What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

F.E.A
Finite Element Analysis, Computer-Based numerical technique.
FEA is a computer-based numerical techique for calculating stress magnitude, direction, distribution and location of maximum stress in components and structures.

FEA was first developed for use in the aerospace and nuclear industries where safety of structures is critical. Rapid advances in computer technology in recent years made possible the use of FEA, primarily in new product design, and existing product refinement.

How FEA can help in Cargo Surveying?:

Concerning damaged cargo there are two categories to be explored with FEA:
  1. Extent of damage
  2. Liability
For Example-
1. Extent of damage:
What was the magnitude of impact forces, and, consequently, extent of damage, including hidden damage; see Case Study #1.

2. Liability:
precisely how damage occurred, which machinery was involved:

  1. Was cargo handled according to specifications; was it lifted by forklift, crane etc.; was lifting/handling method adequate
  2. How did the cargo fall, from which height did it fall;
  3. How effectively was blow reduced by the packaging;
  4. Was structure of the item suitable for internal load;

Thermal Analysis:


Thermal chart for three materials.
With cooperative with Shomroni International Marine Surveyors we performed a computerized transient thermal analysis using the Finite element Method. The thermal model takes into account the following parameters:
  • The geometry of the cargo and the container,
  • The mass of the cargo components (meat, ice, packaging and air in the container),.
  • The initial temperatures of the cargo and the air,
  • The thermal properties of the components (thermal conductivity, specific heat, convection heat transfer coefficient etc.).
The analysis is transient which means that it is time dependent and the thermal quantities (temperature & heat flux) are calculated every time step during the solution. The results of the analysis is the temperature profile of the meat, packaging and ice, as presented in the attached graph, which shows that the meat temperature reaches 00C following approximately 58 hours.

At Shomroni International Marine Surveyors, we have been employing FEA technique for 15 years now. We have found FEA extremely effective in solving issues regarding cargo transportations that could never be as decisively solved before. Furthermore, contrary to common evaluation assessments, FEA provides accurate, factually proved figures. We have the know-how and experience to advise when FEA is cost-effective, to accurately define questions to be explored, and to present a conclusive report.

We are available worldwide to conduct Finite Element Analysis.
Whenever stakes are high and second opinion is required, we at Shomroni International Marine Surveyors are at your service.

More Examples for Dynamic Simulations:

Case Study #3.

Case Study #4:
Overturn of container as a function of Secured / Unsecured to trolley.

Case Study #5:
Falling of heavy cargo from truck during inland delivery..