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INTRODUCTION TO NAVAL ARCHITECTURE AND OCEAN ENGINEERING

What is engineering?
Engineering is an open-ended process during which

scientific knowledge is converted to useful products for the benefit of society


Engineers are problem-solvers; they must assimilate

numerous skills (e.g. math & physics) and resources (e.g. oceanic data) in order to solve a problem through means such as the design of a structure, vehicle or system

In order to perform this, an engineer must be

inquisitive and broadly educated, he or she must be knowledgeable in the sciences and in the language of engineering - namely mathematics, and he or she must be well educated in the fundamental courses common to all engineering disciplines - courses in: statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials, electrical theory, experimental techniques etc.

With this essential background established, a student

can begin to apply his or her knowledge to a specific engineering problem - such as the design of a ship or an offshore structure.
Naval architecture is that field of engineering which

addresses how we can apply our acquired wealth of knowledge to design, test, build, and operate ships. All types of ships and boats - recreational to naval, small to big, operating on or under the sea, sails to nuclear, etc.

Some of the features of a ship


A ship is a self-contained entity - it must operate for

extended periods in a very hostile environment (storm tossed seas, submerged, corrosion). A ship has a crew, it is self-propelled, and carries those systems {electrical generation and distribution, water and sewage, HVAC, habitability (staterooms, galley, etc.), cargo handling, weapons, propulsion, maneuvering, and many others} which are essential to economically and effectively accomplish its mission or missions.

A ship can have a very long service life. A ship has to be able to protect itself (navigational aids,

mobility, maneuverability, weapons systems) and, if necessary, to absorb punishment (watertight subdivision, double hulls, pumps, and fire fighting).
A ship is very complex . To design a ship is an extremely

challenging but immensely interesting task. An undergraduate education in naval architecture will provide you the tools to begin to pursue this engineering challenge.

You will be an engineer, a naval architect, and an

individual who is capable of finding viable economical and technical solutions to a variety of complex and open-ended engineering problems. Such as:
How to safely and efficiently move a variety of cargoes

across the worlds oceans (cruise liners, tankers, containerships, heavy lift ships, tug-barge units, etc.).
How to effectively project your nations economic,

political, and military objectives across the seas (aircraft carriers, frigates, submarines, cargo ships, etc.).

How to best protect your nations coastline, resources,

and waterborne trade (patrol craft, buoy tenders, oil spill response ships, escort tugs, etc.).
How to safely explore and wisely exploit the abundant

resources found in the oceans depths and in its ice covered areas (drill ships, fishing boats, oceanographic ships, icebreakers, etc.).
How to provide better boats and ships for

entertainment, sport, and recreational boating (excursion boats, casino boats, sailing yachts, motor yachts, etc.).

SHIPS
Ships are a vital element in the modern world. They still carry some 95 per cent of trade. In 1994 there were more than 80 000 ships each with a gross tonnage of 100 or more, representing a gross tonnage of over 450 million in total. Although aircraft have displaced the transatlantic liners, ships still carry large numbers of people on pleasure cruises and on the multiplicity of ferries operating in all areas of the globe. Ships, and other marine structures, are needed to exploit the riches of the Deep.

Although one of the oldest forms of transport, ships, their equipment and their function, are subject to constant evolution. Changes are driven by changing patterns of world trade, by social pressures, by technological improvements in materials, construction techniques and control systems, and by pressure of economics. As an example, technology now provides the ability to build much larger, faster, ships and these are adopted to gain the economic advantages those features can confer.

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE
Naval architecture is a fascinating and demanding discipline. It is fascinating because of the variety of floating structures and the many compromises necessary to achieve the most effective product. It is demanding because a ship is a very large capital investment and because of the need to protect the people on board and the marine environment.

One has only to visit a busy port to appreciate the variety of forms a ship may take. This variation is due to the different demands placed on them and the conditions under which they operate. Thus there are fishing vessels ranging from the small local boat operating by day, to the ocean going ships with facilities to deep freeze their catches. There are vessels to harvest the other riches of the deep - for exploitation of energy sources, gas and oil, and extraction of minerals. There are oil tankers, ranging from small coastal vessels to giant supertankers.

Other huge ships carry bulk cargoes such as grain, coal or ore. There are ferries for carrying passengers between ports which may be only a few kilometres or a hundred apart. There are the tugs for shepherding ships in port or for trans-ocean towing. Then there are the dredgers, lighters and pilot boats without which the port could not function. In a naval port, there will be warships from huge aircraft carriers through cruisers and destroyers to frigates, patrol boats, mine countermeasure vessels and submarines.

Besides the variety of function there is variety in hull form. The vast majority of ships are single hull and rely upon their displacement to support their weight. In some applications multiple hulls are preferred because they provide large deck areas without excessive length. In other cases higher speeds may be achieved by using dynamic forces to support part of the weight when under way. Planing craft, surface effect ships and hydrofoil craft are examples. Air cushion craft enable shallow water to be negotiated and provide an amphibious capability. Some craft will be combinations of these specialist forms.

The variety is not limited to appearance and function. Different materials are used - steel, wood, aluminium and reinforced plastics of various types. The propulsion system used to drive the craft through the water may be the wind, but for most large craft is some form of mechanical propulsion. The driving power may be generated by diesels, steam turbine, gas turbine, some form of fuel cell or a combination of these.

The power will be transmitted to the propulsion device through mechanical or hydraulic gearing or by using electric generators and motors as intermediaries. The propulsor itself will usually be some form of propeller, but may be water or air jet. There will be many other systems on board - means of manoeuvring the ship, electric power generation, hydraulic power for winches and other cargo handling systems.

A ship can be a veritable floating township with several thousand people on board and remaining at sea for several weeks. It needs electrics, air conditioning, sewage treatment plant, galleys, bakeries, shops, restaurants, cinemas, dance halls, concert halls and swimming pools. All these, and the general layout must be arranged so that the ship can carry out its intended tasks efficiently and economically.

The naval architect has not only the problems of the building but a ship must float, move, be capable of surviving in a very rough environment and withstand a reasonable level of accident. It is the naval architect who 'orchestrates' the design, calling upon the expertise of many other professions in achieving the best compromise between many, often conflicting, requirements.

The profession of naval architecture is a blend of science and art. Science is called upon to make sure the ship goes at the intended speed, is sufficiently stable and strong enough to withstand the rigours of the harsh environment in which it moves, and so on. The art is in getting a judicious blend of the many factors involved so as to produce a product that is not only aesthetically pleasing but is able to carry out its function with maximum effectiveness, efficiency and economy.

Naval architecture is a demanding profession because a ship is a major capital investment that takes many years to create and is expected to remain in service for perhaps twenty-five years or more. It is usually part of a larger transport system and must be properly integrated with the other elements of the overall system.

The geography of, and facilities at, some ports will restrict the size of ship that can be accommodated and perhaps require it to carry special loading and discharging equipment. An example of this is the container ship. Goods can be placed in containers at the factory where they are produced. These containers are of certain standard dimensions and are taken by road, or rail, to a port with specialized handling equipment where they are loaded on board.

At the port of destination they are offloaded on to land transport. The use of containers means that ships need spend far less time in port loading and unloading and the cargoes are more secure. Port fees are reduced and the ship is used more productively. The designer must create the best possible ship to meet the operator's needs. In doing this he must know how the ship will be used and anticipate changes that may occur in those needs and usage over the years. Thus the design must be flexible. History shows that the most highly regarded ships have been those able to adapt with time.

Most important is the safety of ship, crew and environment. The design must be safe for normal operations and not be unduly vulnerable to mishandling or accident. No ship can be absolutely safe and a designer must take conscious decisions as to the level of risk judged acceptable in the full range of scenarios in which the ship can expect to find itself. There will always be a possibility that the conditions catered for will be exceeded and the risk of this and the potential consequences must be assessed and only accepted if they are judged unavoidable or acceptable. .

Even where errors on the part of others have caused an accident, the designer should have considered such a possibility and taken steps to minimize the consequences. For instance, in the event of collision the ship must have a good chance of surviving or, at least, of remaining afloat long enough for passengers to be taken off safely. This brings with it the need for a whole range of life saving equipment. The heavy loss of life in the sinking of the Estonia in 1994 is a sad example of what can happen when things go wrong. Cargo ships may carry materials which would damage the environment. if released by accident. The consequences of large oil spillages are reported all too often.

Other chemicals may pose an even greater threat. The bunker fuel in ships is a hazard and, in the case of ferries, the lorries on board may carry dangerous loads. Clearly those who design, construct and operate ships have a great responsibility to the community at large. If they fail to live up to the standards expected of them they are likely to be called to account.

Over the years the safety of life and cargo has prompted governments to lay down certain conditions that must be met by ships flying their flag, or using their ports. Because shipping is world wide there are also international rules to be obeyed. International control is through the International Maritime Organisation.

OCEAN ENGINEERING

The key to unlocking the last frontier on earth lies in the

hands of the ocean engineer. Ocean scientists provide us with a basic knowledge of the ocean environment, but it is up to the ocean engineer to apply modern engineering principles in order to work in this environment and utilize it more effectively. By blending the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, material science, and oceanography with the basic elements of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, the ocean engineer is able to apply this knowledge to ocean materials, power systems, acoustics, wave mechanics, life support systems, and the design of a wide variety of ocean vehicles and structures.

Ocean engineering is a relatively young, extremely

varied and remarkably exciting field of engineering. Oceans truly are the last frontiers remaining on earth, and it is up to us as engineers to find ways to identify, investigate and utilize ocean and coastal resources while at the same time protecting them from the destructive effects of human activities.

While engineering has been around for hundreds of

years, the term "ocean engineering" has been in existence for only about 50 years. However, there are certainly a myriad of engineering problems related to our oceans that have existed for quite some time -most of which still need attention! And since more than two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, and more than 98% of the biological living space exists in the oceans, wouldn't it make sense if at least two-thirds of engineers were ocean engineers?

We all know that this is not the case, and those who

choose ocean engineering have quite a collection of problems to solve ... Ocean engineering is a field of engineering that has many opportunities within it to make an impact!

What is Ocean Engineering?


Ocean engineering is one of the most varied engineering

disciplines. The ocean engineering education includes the standard fundamental engineering courses such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, along with other applied engineering courses. Since ocean engineering encompasses so many different areas and types of problems, there are many different types of elective courses offered. Each of these elective courses strives to utilize and reinforce the fundamental tools learned, while expanding the problem-solving capability of each student.

Ocean engineering program includes coverage of the

following disciplines within ocean engineering area (through elective courses and subject matter with core and design courses): Coastal Engineering - Learn the dynamic interaction of the ocean and its shore An ocean engineer ... Develops shore protection systems Designs harbors and ports Deals with Civil Engineering issues in the coastal environment

Offshore Engineering - Learn to design structures capable

of withstanding the severe ocean environment Offshore structures include ... Steel jacket structures Concrete gravity platforms Tension-leg platforms

Underwater Engineering - Learn the special

requirements of living and working underwater Underwater concerns include ... Life support Work systems Cables, pipelines, shipwrecks, etc.

Environmental Engineering - Learn to protect the

oceans and seas from the harmful effects of mankind's activities. Also learn to harvest and/or utilize oceanic resources such as minerals, wave energy, thermal energy and tidal power. Environmental concerns include ... Pollution abatement Environmental remediation Ocean resource utilization

The design of a structure or vehicle to

withstand the harsh environment of the ocean or coast (due to waves, currents, pressures, corrosion, etc.), is usually much more complex than the design of that same structure for land application.

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