MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGN02 – Ship Structures
Code:
Alt. Codes(s)
Title:
Level:
UCL Credits/ECTS:
Start:
End:
Taught by:
MECHGN02
MECHM014, MECH4014 (until 2012)
Ship Structures
MSc
30 credits
September
March
D. Fellows
(Module Coordinator)
Other Staff: PJ Tan
Brief
Description
An advanced course in surface ship and subsea structural design covering
loading, structural synthesis techniques at hull girder and grillage levels, stress
analysis and failure modes.
Pre-requisites
Competence:As exemplified by a mechanical, civil, aeronautical or other “mechanical type”
engineering degree with strong structures element continued throughout.
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
st
(2:1 or 1 class honours)) the pre-requisite units can form part of a prequalifying year.
Co-requisites
MSc Naval Architecture - Ship Dynamics
Availability
Compulsory course for:1. MSc Naval Architecture
Optional course for:As a stand alone course for CPD :May be taken in the following forms:1. Entire Ship Structures course, including 3 coursework assessments, no
exam.
2. Finite Element Introductory element of course, including 1 coursework
assessment, no exam
3. Subsea Structures element of course, including 1 coursework assessment
and no exam.
Candidates for CPD must have the prerequisite competence.
Aims &
Objectives
General
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
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 ship hydrodynamics and ship dynamics.
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
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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
Specific
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
Underpinning science & Mathematics
1. Understanding of scientific principles
a) Own Specialisation
See syllabus.
b) Related Disciplines
N/A
2. Awareness of developing technologies (own specialisation)
Introduction to developing technologies in surface ship and submarine
structures
3. Knowledge & Understanding of mathematical & computer models,
appreciation of limitations
Includes knowledge and understanding of both current modelling methods used
in the analysis of loading and structural response.
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
structures) there is however some examination of the interaction between ship
design and structural design.
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 structures. 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
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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
loads.
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 load prediction &
structural analysis.
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
skills
Present technical work in the following ways: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.
Addressed in module by:A1 Maintain and extend a sound theoretical
1. Understanding of scientific principles
approach in enabling the introduction and a) Own Specialisation
exploitation of new and advancing
See syllabus.
technology and other relevant
developments. This could include an
2. Awareness of developing technologies (own
ability to:
specialisation)
Identify the limits of own personal
knowledge and skills
Introduction to developing technologies in
Strive to extend own technological
structural analysis including:capability
•
Hydroelastic analysis.
Broaden and deepen own knowledge
•
Probabilistic / semi-probabilistic
base through research and
methods.
experimentation.
•
Correlation of design loading with sea
measurements.
•
Application of nonlinear elastoplastic
methods.
•
Application of Finite Element methods in
current designs (both military and commercial).
3. Knowledge & Understanding of mathematical
& computer models, appreciation of limitations
Includes knowledge and understanding of both
“traditional” and “advanced” modelling methods
currently used in the synthesis and analysis of
ship and subsea structures.
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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 / subsea
structures) there is however some examination
of the interaction between ship design and
structural design.
5. Ability to apply mathematical & computer
based models for solving problems in
engineering & awareness of limitations
The course applies current methods both
simple and advanced to the solution of
problems in the areas of ship / subsea
structures. Strong emphasis is placed on
discussion of the limitations and assumptions
inherent in current methods
Engineering Analysis
A2 Engage in the creative and innovative
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
to marketing strategies
current methods to novel configurations e.g.
Identify constraints and exploit
trimarans / pentamarans
opportunities for the development and
transfer of technology within own chosen 2. Ability to extract & apply data in the solution
field
of unfamiliar problems
Promote new applications when
appropriate
The course discusses data monitoring and its
Secure the necessary intellectual
application however there are no experimental
property rights
or experimental data analysis aspects to the
Develop and evaluate continuous
course.
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
Explore the territory within own
products, systems, processes to fulfil new
responsibility for new opportunities
needs
Review the potential for enhancing
engineering products, processes,
The course is intended to provide a firm
systems and services
foundation from which students will be able to
Use own knowledge of the employer’s
generate innovative solutions.
position to assess the viability of
opportunities.
B2 Conduct appropriate research, and
Design
undertake design and development of
engineering solutions. This could include 1. Knowledge & understanding of design
an ability to:
process & methodologies, an ability to apply
Identify and agree appropriate research
and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
methodologies
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Assemble the necessary resources
Carry out the necessary tests
Collect, analyse and evaluate the relevant
data
Draft, present and agree design
recommendations
Undertake engineering design.
B3 Implement design solutions, and evaluate
their effectiveness. This could include an
ability to:
Ensure that the application of the design
results in the appropriate practical
outcome
Identify the required cost, quality, safety,
reliability, appearance, fitness for
purpose and environmental impact of the
outcome
Determine the criteria for evaluating the
design solutions
Evaluate the outcome against the original
specification
Actively learn from feedback on results to
improve future design solutions and build
best practice.
Structural design synthesis is a strong part of
both the taught and course work aspects of
the course,
The lecture material discusses the interaction
between structural design and whole ship
design and examines the dangers of sub
optimisation.
Engineering Practice
1. An understanding of current practice and
limitations, some appreciation of likely new
developments.
Limited discussion of practical production
aspects to the extent that they impact on
structural behaviour, ie residual stress,
geometric tolerance in subsea structures etc.
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of a
wide range of engineering materials &
components
Limited discussion of materials.
3. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking
into account of a range of commercial and
industrial constraints.
Majority of the coursework is aimed a
synthesis of structures to realistic commercial
requirements.
Economic, Social & Environmental Context
1. 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 structural failure.
C
Provide technical and commercial leadership.
Addressed in module by: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
N/A
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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.
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
Direct project evaluation and propose
recommendations for improvement
N/A
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
55
65
30
45=(3x15)
55
250
End of course 3 hr written exam
3 assessment questions
Outline syllabus
Ship Structural Design
Ship structural design, its place and aim in ship design;
Rational approach, primary, secondary, tertiary structure;
Structural synthesis;
Structural loads;
Quasi-static wave balance;
Probabilistic structural response;
Dynamic response effects;
Longitudinal strength, efficiency of structure and superstructure;
Ultimate longitudinal strength;
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Statistical derivations, reliability methods;
Philosophies and ship structural design procedures, cost, optimisation;
Transverse torsional and lateral strength'
Continuity details;
Bulkheads;
FEM applications;
Unconventional vehicles and structures.
Finite Element Analysis
Matrix method of structural analysis, nomenclature and algebra.
Stiffness matrix for discrete members.
Force and displacement methods, merge process, transformation, substructuring.
Stiffness matrix for continuum.
General element requirements.
Errors, convergence, modelling, mesh generation.
Recent developments.
Grillage Synthesis
Grillage synthesis commencing with midship section effective thickness;
Modes of grillage failure under range of expected loadings;
Use of typical design data for grillage synthesis;
Preliminary ship grillage design methods, computer aided grillage synthesis.
Subsea Structural Design
Stress analysis of axisymmetric stiffened cylinders under external pressure;
Principal buckling pressures,
Behaviour of approximately circular cylinders;
Prediction of structural collapse modes;
Design procedures and codes;
Structural design of stiffened cones dome bulkheads;
Internal structure discontinuities and penetrations;
Developments in fatigue and non linear behaviour due to residual stress;
Applications to offshore structures.
References
An Introduction to the
Mechanics of Solids
Ship Structural Design
Hydroelasticity of Ships
Ship Structural Design
Concepts
Ship Structural Design
nd
Concepts – 2 Cycle
Theory of Plates and
Shells
Theory of Elastic Stability
Finite Element Modelling
for Stress Analysis
Ship Structural Design
Roark’s formulas for
Stress and Strain
Timetable
Ref 1
McGraw-Hill
S.C. Crandall and N.C. Dahl
SNAME Press
Cambridge
University Press
Cornell Maritime
Press
Cornell Maritime
Press
McGraw-Hill
O. Hughes
R.E.D. Bishop & W.G. Price
McGraw-Hill
John Wiley & Sons
HMSO
McGraw-Hill
J. Harvey-Evans
J. Harvey-Evans
S. Timoshenko &
Woinowsky-Krieger
S. Timoshenko & J. Gere
S.
D W Chalmers
W.C. Young
One day per week from September to March
EC UK – UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence “The accreditation of
Higher Education Programmes” Dec 2008
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