Difference between LR DH40 and LR DH46 steel plate

Mar 06, 2026 Leave a message

LR DH40 is a high-strength shipbuilding steel plate certified by Lloyd's Register (LR) . The "D" grade signifies it is impact tested at -20°C . It has a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa and tensile strength ranging from 510 to 660 MPa . The chemical composition is strictly controlled with carbon ≤0.18-0.20% and manganese 0.90-1.60% . Minimum elongation is 20%. This grade is typically supplied in normalized, quenched and tempered, or TMCP conditions . It is widely used for hull construction and offshore platforms.

 

LR DH46 is an extra-high-strength marine steel also certified by Lloyd's Register (LR) with impact toughness tested at -20°C . The "46" denotes a minimum yield strength of 460 MPa . It has a tensile strength ranging from 570 to 720 MPa and minimum elongation of 19% . Impact energy requirements are minimum 46J (longitudinal) or 31J (transverse) at -20°C. The chemical composition features carbon ≤0.20% and manganese ≤1.70%, with microalloying elements . This grade is typically supplied in normalized or controlled rolled conditions . It is designed for demanding structural components in shipbuilding and offshore structures.

 

Both LR DH40 and LR DH46 are LR-certified high-strength marine steels with impact toughness tested at -20°C, ensuring reliable performance in cold marine environments . Their primary difference lies in strength level: DH40 offers a minimum yield strength of 390 MPa with tensile strength of 510-660 MPa, suitable for general high-strength hull construction , while DH46 provides a higher minimum yield strength of 460 MPa with tensile strength reaching 570-720 MPa, designed for more demanding load-bearing applications requiring superior strength. Both grades feature controlled chemical composition with carbon ≤0.18-0.20% and manganese ≤1.60-1.70%, and maintain good weldability for marine service.

 

Chemical Composition

 

LR DH40 high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR DH40

0.18

0.05

0.9-1.6

0.035

0.035

0.015

 

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.03-0.10

0.02

0.35

0.20

0.40

0.08

 

LR DH46 extra high Strength Chemical Composition

Grade

The Element Max (%)

C

Si

Mn

P

S

Al

N

LR DH46

0.20

0.55

1.70

0.030

0.030

0.015

0.020

Nb

V

Ti

Cu

Cr

Ni

Mo

0.02-0.05

0.03-0.10

0.02

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanical Property

 

LR DH40 high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR DH40

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

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

 

LR DH46 extra high strength property

Grade

 

Mechanical Property

Charpy V Impact Test

Thickness

Yield

Tensile

Elongation

Degree

Energy 1

Energy 2

LR DH46

mm

Min Mpa

Mpa

Min %

-20

J

J

t≤50

460

570-720

19%

31

46

50<t≤70

460

570-720

19%

31

46

70<t≤100

460

570-720

19%

31

46

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