Ship Design Paper Attracts Wide Interest

A paper on direct calculation methods in ship structural design presented by Lloyd's Register of Shipping at a recent international shipbuilding symposium, "Preparing for the Eighties," organized at Newcastle upon Tyne northeast England by Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk of Norway, attracted international interest. The paper discussed the need for direct calculation methods to complement classification society rules for the design of new or specialized marine structures.

The systematic analysis of the types of loads and the capability of structures were covered, together with failure modes and design criteria. The paper explained how, through procedural documents, such aspects as load intensities, modeling and design criteria levels were defined.

These definitions would assist in the design of bulk carriers, containerships, tankers and r o / r o ships. A short discussion was included about ways of improving and defining future direct methods to include the tolerances associated with modern ship production technology. Interest was shown, states Lloyd, by companies from the Far East, South America, Asia, West and East Europe, and Scandinavia. The paper can be obtained by contacting the Hull Structures Department, 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3. Details and copies of the Society's Procedural Documents are obtainable from Lloyd's Register's Printing House, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 2QN, England.