A discussion on ship technology in the 1980s - Design procedures and their implementation

Abstract

The requirements of a rational structural design procedure are given in the context of ship classification. The procedure centres on the simulation of the ship’s structural response in an ocean environment by means of mathematical models whose implementation depends on the use of high speed digital computers. The ship motions and loads are treated in a statistical manner, while the structural response is treated in a deterministic manner by using numerical methods of structural analysis. A statistical approach to safety is introduced based upon probability theory. The prediction method is related to actual experience in service by monitoring the ship throughout its life. Implementation represents a large-scale data processing operation. The financial and economic problems arising from the implementation of such a procedure are likely to be at least as critical as the technical problems.