Naval architect chooses 3D visualisation
Hull structure 3D model developed by Hart Fenton
Portsmouth, UK, based naval architect Hart Fenton & Co (HF) carried out research, in 2009, into available 3D software that could support its ship design activities.
The company was looking for features such as good 3D visualisation, to benefit clients’ understanding of what was being created, showing steelwork and machinery spaces (piping and equipment) was part of that need. The ability to easily output 2D information for approvals, coupled with weight and centre of gravity information, were other essential features. Using software from which a shipyard could benefit from a direct transfer, using HF’s generated information, to ensure no duplication of effort or lost time, was all part of the consideration. After some deliberation of various suppliers the Nupas-Cadmatic system was chosen.
Initial staff training took place in HF’s offices, first in the development of steel work models, the Nupas part of the software; and then in plant modeling, the Cadmatic part of the software. The two parts of the software are actively linked to ensure compatibility between the steelwork being developed and the piping arrangements being considered.
The first project was described by HF as a “jump in the deep end” with all steel work being modelled for a 120m offshore construction vessel as part of a basic design contract for a major UK operator. The benefits of Nupas were instantly seen, as the structural arrangements could be clearly viewed by other engineers working on the project, allowing decisions to be made about positioning of equipment, and thus making maximum use of the available space. Steel weight and centre of gravity were well defined early in the project, allowing the hull form to be refined to minimise fuel consumption and maximise sea-kindliness.
Various other projects have benefited from this enhanced capability, with, most recently, a project requiring a complete new engine room and system development. New engines and generators are to be installed in the vessel, and the use of Cadmatic allowed HF to investigate the maximum size of an acoustic enclosure that was to be fitted to the generators, to maximise noise reduction without compromise of access for maintenance and general access around the engine room.
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