88355 - Naval Engineering and Design

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to introduce the processes and methods used to design ships and other marine vehicles. Engineering philosophy and design practice will be introduced, and practical experience on the use of CAD and CAM software in marine design will abe promoted.

Course contents

Introduction to Naval Engineering:

• Vessel and structure types: commercial, military, recreational vessels, submarines, and offshore units.

• Fundamental elements of naval design: stability, resistance, propulsion, and structures.

Naval Design and Architecture:

• Naval architecture: hull geometry, waterlines, displacement and volume curves.

• Functional design: internal layout, superstructure configuration, and compartmentation.

• Ship stability: static and dynamic stability, stability curves, reserves of buoyancy and stability.

• Loading and trim: payload calculation, trim, and balancing.

Fluid Mechanics and Naval Hydrodynamics:

• Principles of hydrodynamics: flow around the hull and resistance to motion.

• Ship resistance: viscous and wave-making components, advanced resistance reduction techniques.

• Marine propulsion: types of propulsors, propellers, alternative energy propulsion (sails, wind, nuclear/hybrid propulsion).

Naval Structures:

• Structural design: naval materials, stresses and strains, longitudinal and transverse structures.

• Structural analysis: analytical and numerical analysis methods (FEM – Finite Element Method), hydrodynamic and environmental loads.

• Shipbuilding: shipyard construction techniques, welding, and block assembly processes.

Propulsion Systems and Marine Machinery:

• Main and auxiliary engines: marine diesel engines, steam and gas turbines.

• Propulsion systems: fixed/controllable pitch propellers, waterjets, pods, and control systems.

• Onboard systems: energy management, electrical and mechanical systems, safety and emergency management systems.

Safety and Regulations:

• Ship safety and accident prevention: SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and ISM (International Safety Management) code.

• Environmental regulations: MARPOL (Marine Pollution) convention, waste management, emissions, and ballast water management.

• Sea trials and certifications: testing procedures, hydrodynamic tests, and certifications issued by Classification Societies.

Naval Project Management and Innovation:

• Project management and organization: planning, budgeting, and risk management.

• Ship life cycle: design, construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.

• Innovation in naval design: digitalization, digital twins, CAD/CAE software, and energy sustainability.

Readings/Bibliography

Required texts and materials:

• D. A. Taylor, Introduction to Marine Engineering, Revised 2nd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann.

• Official course slides and lecture notes, uploaded to the Virtuale platform (virtuale.unibo.it ).

Recommended texts:

• E. V. Lewis, Principles of Naval Architecture (Vols. I, II, III), SNAME.

Further reading:

• A. Molland, The Maritime Engineering Reference Book, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Access to teaching material: Students (both attending and non-attending) can access the slides, exercise sheets, and supporting material via the University platform Virtuale by logging in with their institutional credentials.

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical lectures conducted with the aid of multimedia systems, as well as practical exercises/workshops. Throughout the course, exercises on the main topics will be carried out. A visit to a shipyard will be organized to gain firsthand experience with real-world construction practices in the naval and nautical sectors.

Additionally, a workshop will be organized on the use of the main software tool for naval design. Attendance is strongly recommended for optimal learning of the engineering concepts.

Assessment methods

Knowledge assessment takes place via an oral exam lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. During the exam, 2 or 3 questions on the course topics will be asked, aimed at verifying the understanding of key concepts and the ability to make critical and practical connections.

The assigned grade will be based on the following criteria:

• 18-19: Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical capability that emerges only with the instructor's assistance; overall correct language usage.

• 20-24: Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and independent analytical capability only on purely executive matters; correct language usage.

• 25-29: Preparation on a broad range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, and mastery of specific technical terminology.

• 30-30L: Substantially exhaustive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and interdisciplinary connection, full mastery of specific terminology, and a strong capability for argumentation and self-reflection.

Teaching tools

Lecture slides, exercise sheets, case studies, and hydrodynamic calculation data uploaded to the University platform Virtuale (virtuale.unibo.it ).

Design and calculation support software used during the exercise sessions.

The conscious and mindful use of generative AI is suggested as a supplementary tool to support individual study for in-depth learning, synthesis, and self-assessment.

Links to further information

https://virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Alfredo Liverani