MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGN03 – Ship Hydrodynamics
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Brief
Description
Pre-requisites
MECHGN03
MECHM016, MECH4016 (until 2012)
Ship Hydrodynamics
MSc
30 credits
September
March
G X Wu
(Module Coordinator)
Other Staff: E Muc-Pavic, J Aston
An advanced course in ship hydrodynamics covering the analysis
methods available for estimating ship resistance, hull/propeller interaction
effects, and the design of propellers together with methods (both
theoretical and empirical) for assessing the directional stability and
manoeuvrability of ships
Competance: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
st
engineering degree obtained at a high level (2:1 or 1 class honours)) the
pre-requisite units can form part of a pre-qualifying year.
Co-requisites
Availability
None
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 Hydrodynamics course, including 3 coursework
assessments and 3 hour exam
2. Manoeuvring Introductory course, including 1 coursework assessment
and no exam
3. Basic Hydrodynamic Prediction Introductory course, including 1
coursework assessment and no exam
4. Computational Fluid Dynamics Introductory course, including 1
coursework assessment and no exam
Aims &
Objectives
General
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
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 ship design 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 ongoing 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
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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
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 ship hydrodynamic analysis
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 hydrodynamics.
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 hydrodynamics) there is however some examination of the
interaction between ship design and hydrodynamics.
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 hydrodynamics. 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.
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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.
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 predicting
hydrodynamic performance.
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of a wide range of
engineering materials & components
N/A
Communication
skills
3. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking into account of a
range of commercial and industrial constraints.
N/A
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.
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 ship hydrodynamic analysis including:• Computational fluid dynamics.
• Novel Propulsive Devices
• Prediction of added mass and damping
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
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synthesis of ships hulls, appendages
and propulsors and analysis of ship
hydrodynamics.
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 /
submarine hydrodynamic analysis) there
is however some examination of the
interaction between ship design and ship
hydrodynamic performance.
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
hydrodynamics. Strong emphasis is
placed on discussion of the limitations
and assumptions inherent in current
methods
A2 Engage in the creative and innovative
development of engineering technology
and continuous improvement systems.
This could include an ability to:
Establish users’ needs
Assess marketing needs and contribute
to marketing strategies
Identify constraints and exploit
opportunities for the development and
transfer of technology within own
chosen field
Promote new applications when
appropriate
Secure the necessary intellectual
property rights
Develop and evaluate continuous
improvement systems
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 and
propulsors e.g. waterjet
2. Ability to extract & apply data in the
solution of unfamiliar problems
The course discusses data monitoring
and its application however course work
frequently examines the analysis of real
data.
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
responsibility for new opportunities
new needs
Review the potential for enhancing
engineering products, processes,
The course is intended to provide a firm
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systems and services
Use own knowledge of the employer’s
position to assess the viability of
opportunities.
B2 Conduct appropriate research, and
undertake design and development of
engineering solutions. This could
include an ability to:
Identify and agree appropriate research
methodologies
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.
foundation from which students will be
able to generate innovative solutions.
Design
1. Knowledge & understanding of design
process & methodologies, an ability to
apply and adapt them in unfamiliar
situations.
Propeller design is a significant part of
both the taught and course work aspects
of the course,
The lecture material discusses the
interaction between hydrodynamic
design and whole ship design.
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 hydrodynamic behaviour,
ie shaft angles etc
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of
a wide range of engineering materials &
components
Limited discussion of propulsor
materials.
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 incorrect
propulsive power and propeller
performance estimation.
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.)
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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.
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.
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.
Teaching & Learning Methods
Lectures
Private Reading
Tutorials
Practicals
Extramural activity
Independent Project Work
Language Work
Required written Work
Revision
Total
Method & Timing of assessment
N/A
N/A
N/A
Number / Student Hours
54
54
25
45 (3x15)
45
223
End of course 3 hr written exam
3 assessment questions
Outline syllabus
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Encountering computer predictions - a general introduction. Basic concepts of fluids covering
incompressible1 viscous or inviscid flows and free surfaces. Regions of validity.
Computational tools for body and fluid modelling. Applications to body modelling, free
surfaces, viscous flows and lifting surfaces. Computational methods in control - forces due to
cross-flows and shed vortices. Solution methods for the Navier-Stokes equations, turbulence
modelling and mesh generation.
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Basic Prediction Techniques
Components of ship resistance and prediction techniques. Series model resistance
experiments. Drag reduction. Hull/propeller interaction effects. Lifting line design of propellers.
Propeller charts and preliminary propeller design. Waterjets Preliminary estimates of speed
and power. Trials analysis. Physical effects and significance of cavitation number. Simple
theoretical considerations. Cavitation tunnel testing.
Manoeuvring
Directional stability of surface vessels. Steady motion of surface vessels and submarines.
Transient response. Steering indices. Directional stabilisation by fins and rudder. Model tests
and trials. Manoeuvring Simulation & Prediction.
References
Mechanics of Fluids
Edward Arnold
W. J. Duncan A.S.
Thorn & A.D. Young
Sea Loads & Offshore
Cambridge University
O. Faltinsen
structures
Press.
Hydrodynamics of
SNAME Press
H.E. Saunders
Ship Design
Marine Hydrodynamics
MIT Press
J.N. Newman
Practical Ship
Butterworth &
V Bertram
Hydrodynamics
Heinemann
Principles of Naval
SNAME
J Randolph Pawling
Architecture
(Propulsion, Ship
Resistance and Flow)
Ship resistance and
Cambridge
Molland, A.F.,
propulsion: practical
University Press.
Turnock, S. R. and
estimation of ship
(2011)
Hudson, D.A
propulsive power
Timetable
One day per week from September to March
Ref 1
EC UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence “The accreditation of Higher
Education Programmes” Dec 2008
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