Structural Modelling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures

The continuous expansion of human activities into the marine environment imposes ever-increasing demands on the performance, reliability, and longevity of ships and offshore structures [1,2]. Whether operating in deep-ocean basins, navigating through complex wave fields, or enduring the harsh conditions of the polar seas, modern marine structures must withstand a diverse spectrum of mechanical, hydrodynamic, and environmental loads. Consequently, advanced structural modeling has evolved from a supportive analytical tool into an indispensable prerequisite for the safe and efficient design of these complex engineering systems. Accurate prediction of vibration [3,4] and acoustic radiation signatures [5], assessment of impact and blast resistance [6], understanding of fluid–structure interaction phenomena [7,8], and reliable estimation of ultimate strength [9] and fatigue life are all central to mitigating operational risks and unlocking the full potential of next-generation marine assets. Furthermore, the ongoing integration of novel materials and the emergence of data-driven technologies such as digital twins and artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of marine structural engineering.

Given the rapid advancements and the inherently interdisciplinary nature of this domain, there is a persistent need to synthesize new knowledge and to critically evaluate emerging methodologies against the backdrop of established practices. The present Special Issue, entitled “Structural Modeling, Safety Assessment, and Advanced Material Application of Marine Structures,” was conceived precisely to address this need. It brings together a collection of twelve cutting-edge contributions that collectively illuminate the latest developments in numerical simulation, experimental validation, and material innovation relevant to ship and offshore structures. The scope of this Issue is deliberately broad, reflecting the multifaceted challenges encountered in the field. Below, we systematically introduce the constituent papers, which can be thematically grouped into three interconnected areas of investigation: hydrodynamic performance and fluid–structure interaction, structural integrity and failure analysis, and advanced material application coupled with intelligent monitoring.

The hydrodynamic characteristics of platforms with three column geometries were investigated by Liang and Zhang (Contribution 1) using the three-dimensional potential flow method and Morison’s theory. Their results demonstrated that quasi-elliptical pillars provide the best overall dynamic behavior under combined wind–wave–current loads.

A comprehensive review of experimental and numerical research on slamming phenomena in advanced vessels was presented by Sun et al. (Contribution 2) through theoretical foundations, divided water-entry simulation, full-scale wave-load studies, and fluid–structure interaction approaches. Additionally, current gaps in forecasting accuracy and mitigation measures were clearly identified.

A comparative whole-scale CFD study on the wave-making characteristics and resistance performance of two representative naval destroyer designs was performed by Tian et al. (Contribution 3) employing the unstable Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes solution, free-surface catching, and turbulence framework. The distinct performance balances between wave invisibility and resistance were identified, thereby providing critical data for multifaceted naval vessel optimization.

Pipeline systems in floating offshore production platforms were systematically reviewed by Yan et al. (Contribution 4) applying fluid dynamics, electrochemical erosion, material weakness, design factors and preservation methods. The necessity of transdisciplinary solutions such as machine learning-enabled digital twins was highlighted.

In order to support practical examination needs, a novel internal examination device for underwater pipelines was designed and verified by Ma et al. (Contribution 5). Point-cloud statistics were successfully acquired for coded three-dimensional rebuilding, and precise fault identification and service-life estimation were enabled in simulated pipeline surroundings.

To advance material applications for marine structures, the influence of 3D-printing insert patterns on the compressive and torsional behavior of coastal solar support components was examined by Zhang et al. (Contribution 6) through systematic mechanical experiments. Honeycomb filler was identified as the optimal configuration for balancing strength and weight.

Similarly, a lightweight concept of coastal construction using 3D-printed lattice filler was explored by Jiang et al. (Contribution 7). Parametric analyses on infill category, thickness, and support angle were performed, and it was shown that 0°-inclined honeycomb structures exhibit superior bending, torsional, and compressive properties, while inter-layer interaction was identified as a critical factor.

For intelligent surveillance in extremely deep-ocean environments, a self-sustaining recognizing system based on curved-surface flexible triboelectric nanogenerator lists for massive aqua farming cages was proposed by Yang et al. (Contribution 8) establishing a three-level multi-field coupling system. Moreover, it was demonstrated that this new technology can concurrently capture low-frequency ocean energy and enable real-time vibration tracking without an extra power source.

Furthermore, a dual-material constitutive model for the granular heat-affected area in 80 mm-thick DH36 ship-plate welded connection was established by Xu et al. (Contribution 9) utilizing digital image correlation and the Ramberg–Osgood model, and significant gradients in elastic modulus and yield strength between this area and base metal were quantified, thereby providing critical information for precise strength evaluation.

The safety evaluation under functional harm situation was deeply addressed in two studies. The computational methodologies, external reactions, and post-fracture structural behavior of multi-branch towed array systems were extensively studied by Yan et al. (Contribution 10). Comparisons with trawl nets were drawn, and construction alterations and load redistribution subsequent to guide-cable or main-cable collapses under diverse sea states were simulated.

The kinetic properties and structural failure of rigid lattice trawl systems during dragging were conducted by Zhang et al. (Contribution 11) through the lumped mass approach and OrcaFlex modeling. A safe functional boundary for dragging speed and turning movements was determined, while the important effects of singular and dual-line breakage on net twisting and fishing efficiency were clarified.

The structural elements were bridged with restoration of ecosystems by de Sousa et al. (Contribution 12) through a comparative evaluation of damaged Portland cement concrete bricks and organic coral shell from the shore of Paraíba. Mineralogical, physical, and chemical analyses were performed, and it was confirmed that aged concrete resembles coral in carbonate composition and steady acidity, while providing enhanced compressive properties, thereby supporting its use as a practically analogous function for artificial reefs after structural and density optimization.

Collectively, the twelve articles featured in this Special Issue exemplify the vibrant trajectory of research in marine structural mechanics and materials. They underscore a clear transition from conventional, often isolated, analytical frameworks toward more integrated, multi-physics, and data-enriched approaches. While significant progress has been demonstrated in predictive accuracy for slamming loads, the mechanical optimization of 3D-printed lattice fillers, and the resilience assessment of damaged arrays, several critical frontiers remain open for future exploration. Notably, the long-term durability of novel composite and additively manufactured materials in corrosive marine environments warrants further systematic investigation. Moreover, the seamless integration of real-time structural health monitoring data with high-fidelity digital twins to enable true predictive maintenance and autonomous operational decision-making represents both a formidable challenge and a promising horizon. As marine structures continue to venture into deeper and more remote waters, the synergy between robust physical modeling, advanced material science, and intelligent data analytics will undoubtedly remain the cornerstone of innovation in ensuring their safety and sustainability.