An effective method of preliminary hull form design using a micro-based workstation

Recent developments in computing technology and reduced hardware costs have encouraged the use of micro-based CAD workstations. The need for effective design procedures which utilize the attributes of such workstations is recognised. A system for generating a hull form of sufficient accuracy and fairness for use in preliminary design is described. The surface is defined using a set of bi-cubic B-spline surface patches although intermediate forms can be examined via a cubic spline 2-D or 3-D representation. While the mathematical methodology is less sophisticated than that which forms the basis of some of the more advanced systems, fundamental procedures are adapted and structured in a way that ensures accurate and reliable results. This facilitates the rapid generation of hull forms at relatively low cost.

These features provide the designer with a flexible and effective design tool which can be used in an environment where frequent changes may be necessary or a large number of alternative designs have to be examined e.g. at the conceptual or preliminary design stage. An application of the system to the design of a Ro-Ro type form is given.