Difference between ABS DH36 and ABS DH40 steel plate

Mar 25, 2026 Leave a message

ABS DH36 is a higher-strength structural steel plate certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for shipbuilding and marine applications. The "D" grade signifies it is impact tested at -20°C (or -4°F), ensuring good toughness for cold marine environments . It has a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (51 ksi) and a tensile strength ranging from 490 to 620 MPa (71-90 ksi), with a minimum elongation of 21% . The chemical composition is strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.18% and manganese 0.90-1.60% . This grade is widely used for hull structures, decks, and critical ship components .

 

ABS DH40 is a higher-strength marine steel plate also certified by ABS, with impact toughness tested at -20°C . The "40" denotes a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength ranging from 510 to 660 MPa (74-96 ksi), with a minimum elongation of 20% . The chemical composition is similar to DH36, with carbon ≤0.18% and manganese 0.90-1.60% . This grade is designed for demanding structural applications in shipbuilding and offshore platforms requiring superior strength.

 

Both ABS DH36 and ABS DH40 are ABS-certified higher-strength marine steels with impact toughness tested at -20°C, ensuring reliable performance in cold marine environments. Their primary difference lies in strength level: DH36 offers a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa with tensile strength of 490-620 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction, while DH40 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 390 MPa with tensile strength reaching 510-660 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications requiring superior strength . Both grades feature controlled chemical composition (carbon ≤0.18%, manganese 0.90-1.60%) and maintain good weldability for critical marine service.

 

Chemical Composition

 

ABS DH36 high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

ABS DH36

0.18

0.1-0.50

0.90-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.05-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.2

0.4

0.08

 

ABS DH40 high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

ABS DH40

0.18

0.1-0.50

0.90-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.05-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.2

0.4

0.08

 

Mechanical Property

 

ABS DH36 high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

ABS DH36

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

t≤50

355

490-620

21%

24

34

50<t≤70

355

490-620

21%

27

41

70<t≤100

355

490-620

21%

34

50

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal

 

ABS DH40 high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

ABS DH40

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

0

J

J

t≤50

390

510-650

20%

26

39

50<t≤70

390

510-650

20%

31

46

70<t≤100

390

510-650

20%

37

55

Note: Energy 1 is transverse impact test, Energy 2 is longitudinal