Application of a General Purpose Software Package on Shear Forces and Bending Moment Calculations in Ship Structure

In: Pomorski zbornik, Band Special edition 4, Heft 4, S. 211-222

Abstract

The calculation of shear forces and bending moments are the basis of every ship design documentation. It is essential for determining the strength of the ship and the reliability of the structure itself. Nowadays, due to a sheer volume of data, this calculation is performed exclusively with the help of specialized software packages. Such shear force and bending moment curves can often be obtained within the software packages specially designed for checking the ship's design according to specific classification societies' rules. Usually, they already have built-in formulas and guidelines to execute that task properly. However, such software packages often do not meet all the end user's needs. For example, for the initial project stage, special software packages with the functionality of easy designing of a ship form are usually used, while the aforementioned packages are used in later design stages when performing stability and structure checks. This transition often requires converting files into the appropriate type from one software to another. The Rhinoceros program is widespread in the shipbuilding profession, and it is often used in the initial stages of the project. It also allows automation of the process with the help of integrated scripts. Therefore, the authors have decided to examine the possibility of using Python scripts within the Rhinoceros software package. The mentioned script will calculate the transverse forces and bending moment based on the previously modelled hull.