How To Use Advanced Simulation Tools

For naval architects and ship designers out there, the simulation tool is not that new for sure. When designing a boat, several tools can be used by professionals, which also help save time and money. The best tools give the best possible design variations within a very short time, making their lives easier. If many professionals are still reluctant to try out these tools because of a lack of understanding and education, here's everything you need to know. Read on! 

First things first- set the design objectives 

This is the first thing you should do. What are your main objectives and performance requisites for the boat? If you have a team with you, gather around and have a solid discussion about this. Your objectives can be one or many factors such as stability, speed, fuel productivity, and structural enhancements. This will be the first step towards streamlining the design process of the boat. 

Decide on the tool that you are going to use 

If you have followed one of the marine simulation courses in Sri Lanka, there must be one or two simulations tools that you are familiar with. CFD, FEA and hydrodynamic analysis tool are just some of them, and you may choose what best suits you as per your requirement. Remember, not just the theoretical knowledge, you will have to have a practical touch with the tool that you are going to use. 

A 3-D model 

How about a 3-D model creation as the next step? For this you may use a CAD software. Keep in mind that specifications you put (deck, hull and other components) are accurate. 

Mesh generation and hydrodynamic analyis

If you are using a good simulation software, you automatically have good meshing tools within it. Once you are done with this, the next step would be to launch a hydrodynamic analysis using the CFD software. The shape of the hull, propulsion systems and other related components and systems get optimized through this analysis. After this step, use the FEA software to analyse the structural integrity of the boat. All components such as the hull, deck and frames undergo this process. This is a great analysis because it can often figure out what the potential failure points are (under normal circumstances). 

Fixing design parameters 

Since many simulations have been already done by this point, now it's time to do the design modifications. If the propulsion system needs refining, that will done at this stage. Adjust the hull shape if necessary and optimize the weight distribution as per the results of the simulations done. 

Physical testing 

This is one of the best mechanisms in terms of validation. A sea trial can be made, or else a towing tank test can be done here at this stage. If the simulated performances align with the actuals, it's surely a great job! If further adjustments are needed, you may run further simulations and get the boat to match your set objectives without any barriers. 

Why the hesitation? 

While some professionals think that this technology is too expensive, some find it very complicated to do the physics. Other reasons for the hesitation to use these tools include lack of trust on the reliability of the results, and doubting whether this will be a pure wastage of available resources. None of these reasons has a clear base and each of them are proven to be false as well. 

Where to learn in Sri Lanka? 

Well, Cinec Campus in Sri Lanka has some of the best courses in this field and you, if you have the passion, may visit it and know more information before getting enrolled to their courses. Simulation tools are well taught and practised at this campus, and that helps students to use these tools with confidence.