Using Virtual Environments in the Design of Ships

Abstract

A major contributor to the expense and length of time to design, build, and test new systems has been the need to build and test hardware prototypes to determine their effectiveness in meeting operational requirements. Recent and dramatic advances in computer simulation technologies hold forth the promise of revolutionizing design and acquisition strategies by providing the means to validate end users' requirements prior to hardware construction. By designing and operationally testing virtual prototypes in a virtual environment, these technologies will soon offer naval architects the ability to build and launch ships in computer‐based cyberspace in lieu of the shipbuilder's ways. The authors of this paper provide the background for these developments, explore the significance and ramifications of these technologies to the current process of ship and system design, outline challenges lying ahead, and present their vision and recommendations for future development.

On Applying Virtual Reality to Underwater Robot Tele-Operation and Pilot Training

“…With the rapid advance in computer processing power and peripheral techniques, virtual reality offers the tools for enhancing human perception of complex events via simulating real-world or synthetic scenarios and object behaviors. Serious applications outside entertainment range from product design [1,2] and simulation training [3,4,5,6] to medical surgery [7] and aerospace industry [4,8].…”

Collaborative Virtual Prototyping and Test

“…This has the muchneeded benefit of reducing the management risk and potential engineering changes associated with a new manufacturing environment. The applicability and utility of using virtual prototyping in naval engineering has been discussed in Jones, Jons and Ryan (1994) and Ryan and Jons (1991). Potential cost savings of 99% for virtual prototype testing have been documented by the Mercedes Benz Berlin Technical Center (Eisenstein 1997).…”

Evaluation of Shipbuilding CAD/CAM/CIM Systems - Phase II (Requirements for Future Systems)

“…The shipyard further investigates these requirements by reviewing the citations listed in appendix C. The following citations apply to Requirement 1: 7, 8, 15,17,20,33,[35][36][37][38]44,54,56,60,64,[66][67][68][69][70][71][72]74, and 77-82. Of these, the yard finds that the following address structure and may be relevant to structural optimization 7,8,33, 35,54,60,64,66,69,72, 74,81 and 82.…”