Page 60 - Practical Ship Design

Introduction, Methods and Data 31

1.3.3.4 Computerised dimension data

Fairplay Information Systems now offer an information system which is designed
for personal computers and can hold almost 100 different data items about the
ships entered in the system. These include most of the items normally given in
Lloyd’s Register but also include such items as the new building price and the sale
price if the ship has changed hands. There are also a number of additional details
relating to the ship’s outfit and capability.
Whether this system is sufficiently developed to be of immediate use may be
doubtful, but it will be surprising if it does not build up in the course of a few years
to become a most useful tool for the designer.

1.3.4 Data on lines and powering

Data on lines and powering should be kept together. An integrated package of the
lines plan, related tank test and trial trip results is particularly valuable, but designers
are unlikely to acquire many such items. Technical papers published by R.I.N.A.,
S.N.A.M.E., etc., provide the next best available information but in these days of
photocopying extracts of anything that looks useful should be filed away.

1.3.5 General arrangement plans

Significant Ships and its sister publication on smaller vessels is now a most useful
source of data on a wide variety of ship types and the Naval Architect and its sister
publications are another important source. In addition, each of the principal ship-
building countries has one or more technical magazines which give useful data on
ships built in their respective countries. Although language may be a barrier to the
detail, the plans will be clear and an occasional glance at these publications can
provide useful information.

1.3.6 Outfit and machinery data

Keeping abreast of developments in outfit and machinery requires a great deal of
reading of the technical press and manufacturers’ catalogues. A computerised data
base for these items which gives performance characteristics, services require-
ments, weight and cost would be high on the author’s list of priorities if he was still
a practising designer.