Ship Design I

In this course, students are introduced to the ship design process, from the concept/feasibility study stages right through to detail design. Ship design as a decision-making process is discussed, as is the idea that design includes a number of factors including estimation, tradeoffs, synthesis, risk assessment, aesthetics, iteration, optimization, and learning. There are many challenges to be faced during a design, and students are introduced to some of the problem-solving tools that can be used to achieve a stated goal. With this information, and using the knowledge and experiences they’ve gained from earlier courses and internships, small teams of students undertake the initial design of a small vessel of their choice, being led through the iterative design process with the aid of accompanying lectures. Topics discussed include parametric analysis, hull sizing, space and general arrangements, estimation of weights and centers, structural arrangements, stability, powering, propulsion, and regulations. The student-led teams are guided by faculty and industry mentors who have been identified as experts on each of the specific vessel types being designed, which gives students the opportunity to practice their communication skills and provides networking opportunities. Written design reports are produced as are oral presentations of the students’ designs to a panel of invited industry professionals. Following completion of the small vessel design project, the design problem statement for a large, oceangoing ship is developed, and initial conceptual sizing is performed. This oceangoing ship design will be developed further in subsequent courses (SD2, SD3, NA6, and ME6).