MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGN01 – Ship Dynamics
Code:
Alt. Codes(s)
Title:
Level:
UCL Credits/ECTS:
Start:
End:
Taught by:
MECHGN01
MECHM012, MECH4012 (until 2012)
Ship Dynamics
MSc
30 credits
September
March
Dr. K. Drake (Module Coordinator)
Other Staff: G X Wu, M Tucker (External Lecturer), S Bishop (Maths)
Brief
Description
An advanced course in ship dynamics covering the analysis methods available for
describing wave loading as both regular and irregular processes, the response of
ships and offshore structures to waves (sea keeping) and methods to analyse the
structural dynamics of marine vehicles.
Pre-requisites
Competence:As exemplified by a mechanical, civil, aeronautical or other “mechanical type”
engineering degree with strong structures element continued throughout.
Co-requisites
Availability
Where a candidate has demonstrated the appropriate intellectual capability but is
deemed not to have an appropriate background in “mechanical” engineering (i.e.
those with typically an electrical engineering degree obtained at a high level (2:1 or
st
1 class honours)) the pre-requisite units can form part of a pre-qualifying year.
None
Compulsory course for:1. MSc Naval Architecture
Optional course for:As a stand alone course for CPD :-
Aims &
Objectives
General
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
Specific
Learning
Outcomes
May be taken in the following forms:1. Entire Ship Dynamics course, including 3 coursework assessments and 3 hour
exam
Candidates for CPD must have the prerequisite competence.
The aim of the course is to give the student an advanced theoretical grounding in
one of the fundamental analytical discipline fields of Naval Architecture and Ocean
Engineering. Other fields are structural design and hydrodynamics
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating
environment
N/A
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going
basis, and to learn independently
1. Normal background reading/study common to all degree programs
2. The NA MSc the assessment questions form a significant personal work load
requiring well developed self study and independent learning skills
An understanding of the different roles within a team, and the ability to
exercise leadership
N/A
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar
situations
Normal learning situation common to all degree programs
Underpinning science & Mathematics
1. Understanding of scientific principles
a) Own Specialisation
Page | 1
(See Ref 1)
See syllabus.
b) Related Disciplines
N/A
2. Awareness of developing technologies (own specialisation)
Introduction to developing technologies in dynamic analysis including:Random Processes.
Waves
Structural dynamics
Response of ships to waves
Seakeeping
3. Knowledge & Understanding of mathematical & computer models,
appreciation of limitations
Includes knowledge and understanding of both current modelling methods used in
the analysis of ship motions and vibrations.
Includes an awareness of novel methods currently under development.
4. Understanding of a breadth of concepts (including some outside
engineering, and an ability to apply these in an engineering project.
Course is aimed at developing a deep understanding of a specialist field (ship
dynamics) there is however some examination of the interaction between ship
design and ship dynamics..
Engineering Analysis
1. Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging
technologies
The course explores the applications of current methods to novel configurations
e.g. trimarans / pentamarans
2. Ability to apply mathematical & computer based models for solving
problems in engineering & awareness of limitations
The course applies current methods to the solution of problems in the areas of ship
dynamics. Strong emphasis is placed on discussion of the limitations and
assumptions inherent in current methods
3. Ability to extract & apply data in the solution of unfamiliar problems
The course discusses data monitoring and its application however there are no
experimental or experimental data analysis aspects to the course.
Design
1. Knowledge & understanding of design process & methodologies, an ability
to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
The unit examines the limitations present in current methods and discusses their
adoption to novel geometries.
2. Ability to generate design of innovative products, systems, processes to
fulfil new needs
The course is intended to provide a firm foundation from which students will be
able to generate innovative solutions.
Economic, Social & Environmental Context
1. Extensive knowledge of management & business practices, their limitation
and correct application
N/A
2. Ability to evaluate commercial risk through an understanding of the basis
of such risks
The course places a strong emphasis on the risks associated with extreme
motions.
Page | 2
Engineering Practice
1. An understanding of current practice and limitations, some appreciation of
likely new developments
Limited discussion of practical aspects and difficulties found in controlling motions.
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of a wide range of engineering
materials & components
N/A
3. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking into account of a range of
commercial and industrial constraints.
N/A
Communication Present technical work in the following ways:skills
Written
Three major items of coursework
Oral
N/A
Participate in a technical discussion of:Technical discussion occurs in lectures and tutorials
Lead a technical discussion of:N/A
Competence statements derived from UK Spec - Ref 1
A.Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding to
optimise the application of existing and emerging technology.
A1 Maintain and extend a sound theoretical
approach in enabling the introduction
and exploitation of new and advancing
technology and other relevant
developments. This could include an
ability to:
Identify the limits of own personal
knowledge and skills
Strive to extend own technological
capability
Broaden and deepen own knowledge
base through research and
experimentation.
Addressed in module by:1. Understanding of scientific principles
a) Own Specialisation
See syllabus.
2. Awareness of developing technologies (own
specialisation)
Introduction to developing technologies in dynamic
analysis including:• Random Processes.
• Waves
• Structural dynamics
• Response of ships to waves
• Seakeeping
3. Knowledge & Understanding of mathematical &
computer models, appreciation of limitations
Includes knowledge and understanding of both
current modelling methods used in the analysis of
ship motions and vibrations.
Includes an awareness of novel methods
currently under development.
4. Understanding of a breadth of concepts
(including some outside engineering, and an
ability to apply these in an engineering project.
Course is aimed at developing a deep
understanding of a specialist field (ship dynamics)
there is however some examination of the
interaction between ship design and structural
design.
Page | 3
5. Ability to apply mathematical & computer based
models for solving problems in engineering &
awareness of limitations
The course applies current methods to the
solution of problems in the areas of ship
dynamics. Strong emphasis is placed on
discussion of the limitations and assumptions
inherent in current methods
A2 Engage in the creative and innovative
Engineering Analysis
development of engineering technology
and continuous improvement systems.
1. Ability to use fundamental knowledge to
This could include an ability to:
investigate new and emerging technologies
Establish users’ needs
Assess marketing needs and contribute
The course explores the applications of current
to marketing strategies
methods to novel configurations e.g. trimarans /
Identify constraints and exploit
pentamarans.
opportunities for the development and
transfer of technology within own chosen 3. Ability to extract & apply data in the solution of
field
unfamiliar problems
Promote new applications when
appropriate
The course discusses data monitoring and its
Secure the necessary intellectual
application however there are no experimental or
property rights
experimental data analysis aspects to the course.
Develop and evaluate continuous
improvement systems
B Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of
engineering problems.
Addressed in module by:B1 Identify potential projects and
Innovation
opportunities. This could include an
ability to:
1. Ability to generate design of innovative products,
Explore the territory within own
systems, processes to fulfil new needs
responsibility for new opportunities
Review the potential for enhancing
The course is intended to provide a firm
engineering products, processes,
foundation from which students will be able to
systems and services
generate innovative solutions;
Use own knowledge of the employer’s
position to assess the viability of
opportunities.
B2 Conduct appropriate research, and
Design
undertake design and development of
engineering solutions. This could
1. Knowledge & understanding of design process &
include an ability to:
methodologies, an ability to apply and adapt them
Identify and agree appropriate research
in unfamiliar situations.
methodologies
Assemble the necessary resources
The unit examines the limitations present in
Carry out the necessary tests
current methods and discusses their adoption to
Collect, analyse and evaluate the relevant
novel geometries.
data
Draft, present and agree design
recommendations
Undertake engineering design.
B3 Implement design solutions, and evaluate Engineering Practice
their effectiveness. This could include an
ability to:
1.An understanding of current practice and
Ensure that the application of the design
limitations, some appreciation of likely new
results in the appropriate practical
developments
outcome
Page | 4
Identify the required cost, quality, safety,
Limited discussion of practical aspects and
reliability, appearance, fitness for
difficulties found in controlling motions.
purpose and environmental impact of the
outcome
Economic, Social & Environmental Context
Determine the criteria for evaluating the
design solutions
1. Ability to evaluate commercial risk through an
Evaluate the outcome against the original
understanding of the basis of such risks
specification
Actively learn from feedback on results
The course places a strong emphasis on the risks
to improve future design solutions and
associated with extreme motions.
build best practice.
C Provide technical and commercial leadership.
C1 Plan for effective project implementation. N/A
This could include an ability to:
Identify the factors affecting the project
implementation
Lead on preparing and agreeing
implementation plans and method
statements
Ensure that the necessary resources are
secured and brief the project team
Negotiate the necessary contractual
arrangements with other stakeholders
(client, subcontractors, suppliers, etc.)
C2 Plan, budget, organise, direct and control
tasks, people and resources.
This could include an ability to:
Set up appropriate management systems
Agree quality standards, programme and
budget
Organise and lead work teams,
coordinating project activities
Ensure that variations from quality
standards, programme and budgets are
identified, and that corrective action is
taken
Gather and evaluate feedback, and
recommend improvements.
N/A
C3 Lead teams and develop staff to meet
changing technical and managerial
needs. This could include an ability to:
Agree objectives and work plans with
teams and individuals
Identify team and individual needs, and
plan for their development
Lead and support team and individual
development
Assess team and individual performance,
and provide feedback.
N/A
C4 Bring about continuous improvement
through quality management. This could
include an ability to:
Promote quality throughout the
organization and its customer and
supplier networks
Develop and maintain operations to meet
quality standards
N/A
Page | 5
Direct project evaluation and propose
recommendations for improvement.
Teaching & Learning Methods
Lectures
Private Reading
Tutorials
Practicals
Extramural activity
Independent Project Work
Language Work
Required written Work
Revision
Total
Method & Timing of assessment
Number / Student Hours
54
54
25
45(3x15)
45
223
End of course 3 hr written exam
3 assessment questions
Outline syllabus
Random Processes
Probability theory, distributions; Random processes, correlation, spectra; Input-output relations; FFT
and simulation techniques.
Waves
Waves as a random process; Design spectra, long and short crested seas; Short and long term wave
statistics; Ocean wave theories including linear and Stokes 3rd and 5th order theories.
Structural Dynamics
Vibrations of continuous systems. Lagrange's equations; Finite element methods in structural
dynamics; Modal analysis, orthogonality, principal co-ordinates; Direct solution techniques in the time
domain; Substructuring methods.
Response of Ships to Waves
Skip theory and 2-D hydrodynamic forces; Response to sinusoidal wave; Typical ship results in
seaway; Generalised fluid actions and hydroelasticity; Numerical methods for 3-D hydrodynamics;
Applications to ships and offshore structures.
Seakeeping
Seakeeping equations; Encounter frequency; Roll, roll damping and stabilisation; Influences of
excessive motions; Slamming, whipping and springing.
References
Timetable
Ref 1
Seakeeping: Ship Behaviour in
Rough Weather
Mechanical Vibrations- Theory
and Application
Probabilistic Theory of Ship
Dynamics (+)
Structural Dynamics
Random Vibrations & Spectral
Analysis
Dynamics of Offshore
Engineering
Available from
RINA
Allyn & Bacon
A.R.J.M Lloyd
Chapman & Hall
F.S. Tse, I.E. Morse & R.T.
Hinkle
W.G. Price & R.E.D. Bishop
Wiley
Longman
R.R. Craig
D.E. Newland
Bentham Press
M.H. Patel
One day per week from September to March
EC UK – UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence “The accreditation of
Higher Education Programmes” Dec 2008
Page | 6