Difference between DNV E32 and DNV E36 steel plate

DNV E32 and DNV E36 are high-strength shipbuilding steel plates certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for marine structures requiring enhanced toughness in cold environments. The "E" designation in both grades guarantees that the material's impact toughness is certified at a low temperature of -40°C, making them suitable for polar operations and vessels navigating icy waters. The numerical suffix (32, 36) denotes the minimum yield strength in kilopounds per square inch (ksi), with 1 ksi approximately equal to 6.895 MPa. Thus, E32 offers a minimum yield strength of 32 ksi (~220 MPa), while E36 provides 36 ksi (~248 MPa).

Key Differences

The primary distinction lies in their strength level. DNV E36 provides approximately 12.5% higher yield strength than E32. This increase allows for greater load capacity or the possibility of weight reduction through the use of thinner sections in structural designs. However, achieving this higher strength in E36 typically involves stricter control over chemical composition and rolling processes, which can marginally affect its formability compared to E32. Despite this, both grades maintain the same stringent -40°C toughness requirement. Consequently, DNV E32 is often selected for general hull structures in cold climates where its strength is sufficient, while E36 is preferred for more highly stressed components (such as deck plating, sheer strakes, or ice belt zones) where the extra strength is beneficial. The choice is a balance between design strength requirements (E36) and cost-effectiveness (E32) for applications demanding guaranteed performance at Arctic temperatures.

Chemical Composition

Mechanical Property