E. C. Tupper - Introduction to Naval Architecture

Naval architecture involves two distinctly different tasks the analysis of individual design characteristics and the synthesis of a design from those elements. Analysis calls upon procedures and theories developed over the years. It can be regarded as the science/engineering of the subject. Design is more an art both in an aesthetic sense and in arriving at a well balanced design meeting often conflicting requirements.

Analysis is relatively straightforward, although by no means simple. The basics are common to all types and sizes of ship and craft. Synthesis is more difficult both to achieve and to explain. It requires experience and flair. It is in the synthesis (design) stage that quite different vessels in function, appearance and size emerge. As an example, consider supporting a load on a circular support on a structure which is predominately composed of transverse and longitudinal bulkheads. Once a structural solution is sketched it can be checked to ensure it is adequately strong. Whilst there may be uncertainty in ascertaining the loads, the art is in envisaging an efficient method of transmitting the loads from the circular support to the surrounding structure.

Textbooks can either deal with the naval architectural elements first and then show how they are applied during design or begin with the synthesis process showing what supporting naval architectural elements are needed and then considering these elements in turn. This book adopts the first approach. The earliest chapters deal with terminology, definitions and notation providing the means of communicating in a precise, unambiguous way. The next few chapters deal with analysis and the later chapters with synthesis. Where it is deemed appropriate, more detailed matter is placed in appendices to leave the main text more free flowing.

Advanced methods such as Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) systems are outlined, in general terms. The underlying naval architectural principles remain the same and it is these fundamentals this book covers. The practitioner should master them before embarking on more advanced methods. Often the advanced methods such as the latest the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) probabilistic methods of damage stability assessment are less transparent to the user. For this reason this book includes the traditional approaches in areas where it is felt they demonstrate more clearly the principles involved. Also many existing ships will have been designed using these earlier methods. It is the methods of application rather than the principles which have changed.

This edition takes account of the views of users of earlier editions on the balance and coverage of the subject. It reflects the continuing developments in technology, changes in international regulations and recent research.

SI units are used almost universally and are used in the main text. To assist those wishing to use data in Imperial units conversion tables are given in an appendix. So is the Froude notation because of its importance in early work on ship resistance.

book for use by students and lecturers.

References and websites are given where they provide information on recent developments or more detailed information on topics. Many of the reference documents can be accessed from websites and this is indicated. The Internet contains much other useful information but may not be on a site for long. Students can use these but they require some overarching knowledge of the subject before they can be used intelligently. This book aims to provide that understanding.