The Naval Architect provides in-depth information on all aspects of vessel design, construction and engineering. Practical applications of latest technology and case studies are accompanied by analysis and foresights. Published every two months, the magazine covers everything from superyachts and short-hop ferries to tankers and heavy-lift vessels; from battery pack installations and sail-assisted solutions to LNG tank retrofits; and from offshore safety to warship resilience.
How do cutouts affect the performance of laminated composite shells in demanding marine and aerospace environments? Combining laboratory resin-infusion manufacturing, free-vibration testing and validated numerical simulation, researchers revealed key dynamic behaviour patterns. Advanced mass-matrix modelling with rotary inertia and modal assurance verification offers insights for more reliable, maintainable structural designs.
An integrated computer simulation model is advancing semi-submersible design by combining computational and experimental modules to capture six-degree-of-freedom dynamics and mooring-structure interactions. Validated against physical data, the framework reveals performance trade-offs between fibre and steel moorings, supporting optimisation, stability assessment and more resilient offshore platform development for future operating conditions.
A novel CAD-CFD redesign strategy demonstrates how targeted bow and stern modifications can unlock meaningful efficiency gains without altering core vessel characteristics. Validated against industry standards and applied to the KRISO container ship, the integrated approach delivers resistance and propulsion improvements, highlighting practical pathways to lower operating costs and emissions.
How can allied navies accurately model one of maritime operations’ most demanding tasks? A multinational team built and validated a distributed HLA-based simulation capturing seaway conditions, ship interactions and payload transfer dynamics. Proven against experimental data, the platform delivers valuable insights for system integration, operational planning and future naval capability development.
Air-cavity drag reduction is moving closer to practical deployment through research linking cavity performance to controllable hydrodynamic actuators and wedge-shaped cavitators. Using potential-flow modelling, new insights into optimal operating conditions reveal how flow speed and hull trim influence efficiency gains, supporting more energy-efficient ship designs.
How can simulator design influence engineering competence? By applying ergonomic principles to a full-mission engine room simulator, a redesigned mimic panel improved realism, usability and training effectiveness. The experience highlights how human-centred design can enhance operational learning environments and strengthen the quality of marine engineering education and professional preparedness.
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