Difference between BV DH36 and BV EH36 steel plate

BV DH36 and BV EH36 are high-strength structural steel plates certified by Bureau Veritas (BV) for shipbuilding and marine applications. Both grades share the same minimum yield strength of 355 MPa (as indicated by the "36", which represents 36 ksi). They are designed to offer excellent toughness and weldability to withstand dynamic loads and harsh ocean environments. The key distinction between them is their minimum service temperature, denoted by the first letter of their designation.

Key Differences

The "D" in DH36 specifies that its impact toughness (measured via Charpy V-notch testing) is guaranteed down to a temperature of -20°C. In contrast, the "E" in EH36 signifies a lower service temperature threshold of -40°C. This makes BV EH36 steel superior for use in arctic conditions or colder climates where materials are at higher risk of brittle fracture. To achieve this enhanced low-temperature toughness, EH36 typically involves more stringent chemical composition control and processing (e.g., finer grain structure), which may slightly affect its formability or weld procedure requirements compared to DH36. Therefore, the primary selection criterion is the operational environment: BV DH36 is suitable for general ocean-going vessels and moderate climates, while BV EH36 is essential for ships and structures operating in polar or severely cold regions.

Chemical Composition

Mechanical Property