Difference between BV D and BV E steel plate

BV D and BV E are standardized categories within Bureau Veritas (BV) shipbuilding steel grades, primarily differentiated by their designated service temperatures. Both are general structural grades with a base yield strength, but their nomenclature changes when combined with a strength suffix (e.g., DH36, E550). For direct comparison, "BV D" and "BV E" are commonly understood as grades with the same minimum yield strength of 235 MPa, corresponding to the old A/D/E series in common ship plate standards. Their key difference lies in their guaranteed low-temperature impact toughness.

Key Differences

The defining difference is the minimum test temperature for impact toughness. Grade "BV D" is required to meet Charpy V-notch impact energy requirements at -20°C. Grade "BV E" is tested at the more stringent temperature of -40°C. This makes the E grade steel significantly more resistant to brittle fracture in extremely cold environments, such as polar waters or winter operations in high latitudes. To achieve this superior low-temperature toughness, the E grade typically involves more controlled chemical composition (e.g., finer grain structure achieved through elements like aluminum) and stricter production processes compared to the D grade. Consequently, BV D is suitable for general ocean service, while BV E is mandated for ships operating in Arctic or Antarctic regions where temperatures routinely fall below -20°C.

RINA D Normal Strength Max Chemical Composition in Hot-rolled

RINA E Normal Strength Max Chemical Composition in Hot-rolled

RINA D Normal strength property in Hot-rolled

RINA E Normal strength property in Hot-rolled