Ship Design explores the fascinating evolution of shipbuilding, from rudimentary wooden vessels to today's sophisticated, technologically advanced ships. It highlights how historical precedent, technological innovation, and the demands of maritime environments have shaped vessel design. Understanding buoyancy, stability, and resistance are foundational concepts discussed, alongside pivotal events like the advent of steam power and steel hulls. The book offers a comprehensive overview suitable for naval architects, historians, and anyone interested in maritime history and technology.
The book argues that modern ship design results from blending historical lessons, empirical data, and computational modeling. It emphasizes that understanding past designs is crucial for informed innovation and sustainable maritime practices.
The book begins with fundamental naval architecture concepts, progresses through key historical periods, and culminates in an analysis of contemporary challenges like fuel efficiency and autonomous vessels. It uses historical blueprints, performance data, and computational fluid dynamics to illustrate the impact of design choices.
