USE OF SIMULATORS IN SHIP SYSTEM DESIGN AND OPERATION

Abstract

ABSTRACTRecent technical developments have permitted economical and practical simulation of ship systems. Operational bridge and power plant simulators are now being used for engineering research to design better, more reliable ship systems, to develop improved operating methods and procedures, and for crew training. Simulation of developing instrumentation, controls, personnel accommodations, and operational methods and procedures (and their optimization for intended uses) allows a designer to make adjustments before a construction commitment when the design development costs of a change are still reasonable. Simulation techniques are also useful in the consistent assessment of existing ship modification proposals where changing economic or operational circumstances require reliable evaluation of alternatives. Through such uses, a new generation of ships can reflect much earlier, the improvements which will make them more productive, efficient, and profitable. In addition, through the use of simulation techniques, crews can be trained to operate the advanced ships prior to actual ship availability, thereby minimizing casualty possibilities. This paper examines the ability of simulators to represent critical operational problems and how these capabilities can apply to the design and operation of new and existing ships; to the investigation of expected problems of the intended service; and to the training of ship's crews.