The Effect of a Hydrofoil on Catamaran Seakeeping Performance

Alex Hanford

This thesis will attempt to prove that a significant reduction of the wave-induced pitch and heave motions in a semi-elliptical catamaran is possible through the introduction of a hydrofoil. A symmetrical hydrofoil will be placed between the two hulls which will then be tested in seakeeping conditions in order to study the overall effect of the foil on vessel motions and resistance.

Common Shipboard Material Testing at Various Temperatures

Cody Owen & Michael Chen

The objective of  this thesis is to strength test common shipboard materials and comparatively analyze the stress strain diagrams for each material. The strength testing will be performed in tension. The types of materials to be tested include steel, aluminum, brass, and composites within a temperature range of -100°C to 300°C.

An Economic and Environmental Comparison of Diesel and Natural Gas Fueling for Tugs

Alexandra Pitti

This thesis will focus on the economic and environmental feasibility of marine diesel oil, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling methods in tug boats. Natural gas fueling, especially through LNG, is becoming prevalent in the maritime industry. Environmental and economic benefits have been enjoyed by vessels that utilize this fuel, so it would be both interesting and practical to determine whether the advantages of natural gas as fuel could be more attractive than the continued use of diesel fuel. The impact of these findings will have significance in the design and build choices for tugs in the current market.

Analysis of Gas Fuel for an Electronically Timed Medium-Speed Diesel Engine

Evan Wingfield & Andy Thompson

The objective of this thesis is to convert the Series 60 engine to operate using natural gas with a pilot injection of diesel fuel. We will conduct baseline tests of the unmodified engine using diesel fuel and compare the results with those from the modified engine using natural gas. We will attempt to optimize engine power and minimize emissions by varying the diesel injection profiles and the percentage of natural gas used.

Mooring Lines Analysis: Development of a Mathematical Tool to Calculate Static Stresses in Mooring Lines for Berthed Ships

Leonardo F.A. Tinoco

This thesis intends to develop software in MATLAB to calculate static stresses in mooring lines for docked ships. Calculating the stresses present in a ship’s mooring lines systems is extremely important to define the most appropriate way to berth a ship, to size lines and fenders, or even to project a berth. The mathematical tool will use several simplifying considerations in order to make the mooring analysis faster and simpler, without losing accuracy for the case of any particularly berthed ship.

Retrofitting TAPS Trade Tankers: A Design and Feasibility Study of Various Emissions Reduction Technologies

Clarence O’Connor and Christopher Licato

This thesis proposes to conduct a design and feasibility study of retrofitting TAPS (Trans Alaskan Pipeline Service) trade tankers, which operate frequently in the North American ECA (Environmental Control Areas), to use various emission reduction strategies. Specifically, we will conduct a cost comparison of burning marine gas oil (MGO), retrofitting to use stack scrubbers, and retrofitting to burn liquefied natural gas (LNG) in response to future restrictions on emissions in ECAs. We will explore the technical issues associated with each system and perform a preliminary retrofit design for each option.

Big Data Methods for Reducing Operating Costs at Stolt Tankers B.V.

Wesley Yland & Gabe Poritz

This  thesis adopts a big-data approach to reduce operating costs for Stolt Tankers B.V. The thesis uses four categories of analysis, focused solely on pumps, in the 85-vessel fleet. The first two categories include gap analyses aimed at optimizing maintenance schedules and spare parts purchasing against known failure modes. The third category includes a case study, for which protocols and procedures will be developed, for the collection of condition monitoring data in a fleet wide, standardized, big-data-friendly way. The final category, aimed specifically at fuel consumption, examines pumps in each vessel class in order to determine the best candidates for variable-frequency drives.

An Analysis of Stiffened Aluminum Panels Under Tension

Stefan Kuczera & Zachary Gilfus

This thesis will test longitudinally and transversely stiffened aluminum panels under tension. The results of testing will be compared with computerized finite element analysis (FEA) data. The objective is to examine the influence of the heat affected zone on the overall strength of the panel.

Design of Bulbous Bows for Motion Reduction on Offshore Support Vessels

Ben Rockwell & Erin McElroy

A design-build-test thesis is being conducted to create bulb forms optimized to reduce offshore support vessel heave and pitch motions in a seaway. The model will be constructed with a standard bulb for baseline testing and three experimental bulbs that can be attached in place of the existing forefoot. The next step will will be performing calm-water resistance and seakeeping tests on the entire range of bulbous bows in the Robinson Model Basin.

Design, Building, and Testing of a Trans-Atlantic Autonomous Sailboat

Satchel Douglas, Nolan Conway, & Matt Weklar

A two-meter autonomous sailboat will be designed and built to cross the Atlantic Ocean without any exterior inputs. Sensors including wind direction, speed, and heading.  GPS will feed data into a microcontroller board that will make course decisions. The vessel must overcome challenges including obstacles, open ocean waves, power consumption, and durability. If successful, this will be the first autonomous sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Pleasure Boat Stability: Simple Test Procedure

Dan Turoff

The purpose of this thesis is to increase the level of safety in pleasure boating. Furthermore, an effort will be made to determine the necessary metacentric height (GM) of particular pleasure craft hull type. Currently, there is no standard for stability in personal pleasure craft. An inclining experiment will be performed on several pleasure boats. Data gathered from this test, along with published stability theory, will aid in the formulation of a simplified, at-home-style test procedure.

Calm Water Tests on an Independently Stable Trimaran Hullform

Tyler Totten

As naval budgets shrink, the Navy’s tasks continue to grow and add complexity to continuing missions. New technologies must be integrated and tested for a shrinking fleet to remain relevant in the 21st century. The Navy needs a new surface combatant paradigm to be able to adapt to new missions. This thesis investigates the calm-water resistance effects of an independently-stable trimaran hull configuration. Testing will focus on side-hull positioning for this unique configuration to determine whether the same trends in optimized trimaran hulls apply for non-optimized hulls. The magnitude of resistance changes will also be investigated.

Classification Societies and Their Role in the Marine Industry; An In-Depth Review of the CSR Software

Matthew Gianforcaro

This thesis deals with researching the roles of Classification Societies within the Marine Industry.  Serving as such an integral part of the industry, Class Societies deserve the proper amount of education regarding their purposes.  Research topics include early developments of class, the differences between Class and Statutory surveying, and how they deal with issues of class.  The bulk of this thesis will involve reviewing the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’ s Register (LR) Common Structural Rule (CSR) software.  The software is utilized by engineers throughout the industry as a check for structural designs for Bulk Carriers and Double-Hull Oil Tankers.   The thesis will investigate the impact of the CSR using the ABS/LR software on the scantlings of today’s vessels versus the class societies’ rules prior to the implementation of the CSR.