Maxsurf has proven to be an ideal computer modeling tool to create a prototype of a proposed vessel. Above we have an image of the computer-created model of the 130 foot motor yacht, Jeanne V. Having
created and faired the virtual model of the hull and superstructure, a number of useful applications are possible.
- As a graphic image, the model can be rendered and background added, giving the model the appearance of being a photograph of the completed vessel. This
can be a highly useful sales tool, or can simply be for the prospective
owner's use.
- The virtual model can be used for numerical analysis to
determine the vessel's hydrostatics, trim, stability, performance,
etc. Surface areas and their centers are immediately available
to the designer for use in the weight analysis, and in determining
resistance, windage, etc. for the final stability analysis.
- Internal structure can be modeled for the sake of determining interior volumes or to observe the available spaces within the hull for visualization purposes. This
can become quite elaborate if necessary, in order to have a virtual "walk
through" should that be desired.
- The computer generated NURBS surface model's geometry can be exported to a numerically driven 5-axis router, which can be used to carve a three dimensional scale model of the vessel for the sake of knowing in advance what the exact look will be, including hull, appendages, and superstructure. It can then be painted nicely and become a showpiece physical scale model.
- For vessel of any material a real-world performance analysis can be done by having the hull and appendages router-carved to a precise scale for use in a towing tank. This
is especially useful where new or experimental features have
been introduced, or for testing the efficacy of a bow bulb or
new keel design or to optimize various hull shapes.
- For a GRP vessel, the computer model's surface geometry can be exported directly to the same kind of numerically controlled router in order to create the actual hull mold. This is equally applicable to the superstructure,
and has become the most viable approach for new GRP yacht construction. It allows the builder to eliminate the long lead-in time
associated with lofting and mould making. This not only lets
the builder to save considerable time, but also allows the builder
to save on valuable shop space.
- For metal vessels, the computer generated model becomes the basis of generating the actual structural shapes that will be used for construction,
such as frames, tank faces, engine girders, stem, stern, etc.
as well as to plan and expand all the exterior hull plating. For
more information on this process, please see our separate web
articles on NC
Cutting.
- The interior joinery such as wooden
bulkheads, soles, and even minor joinery partitions can also
be defined directly from the computer model for automated cutting
by 2-axis router, providing a terrific labor savings. When used with an NC cut moulded GRP vessel or with a precision NC cut metal vessel, this will also provide an extremely accurate fit-up. An
entire interior can be defined, modularized, and cut out by machine,
ready for assembly and installation.
The Schooner Caribe
All of these services are within easy reach
throughout North America. For example in the Pacific Northwest
we have the following services close at hand:
- A large 5-axis NC router is located at Janicki Machine
in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, just north of Seattle (1-360-856-5143).
- Another large 5-axis router is at Cadence CNC Manufacturing in Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island (1-250-652-8084).
- One of the best towing tanks is close by in Vancouver, BC, at the University of British Columbia.
- There are many services that do NC cutting for metal structure via machine driven plasma torch or abrasive water jet.
These services are not limited to the Pacific
Northwest, but can also be found throughout the US, Canada, and world-wide. In
particular, Europe, Australia and New Zealand have made excellent use
of these technologies.
One of the biggest advantages of having generated
the virtual model by computer is that the resulting geometry or parts
definitions can be sent anywhere worldwide, simply by email. This allows the design team to be location-agnostic. Design
information can be shared instantly worldwide, as needed, both during
the creation of the design and also during the actual building of the
boat.
Where labor rates are at a premium, the virtues
of computerized modeling and NC cutting become readily apparent. In
other areas where labor may not be the dominant cost component, computer
modeling of the hull and superstructure will offer the highest level
of planning available, excellent communication, and the best control
over the resulting vessel.
We have created designs that have been built in the jungles of Borneo with design information shared by email; in New Zealand where we simply sent the metal parts nestings to the metal cutters and the builder received a complete pre-cut boat; and we have done the same for vessels built on the US East coast and in Europe.
Computer Lofting
Maxsurf is a natural tool for computer lofting. The computer generated model can be used to export any of the typical plan, profile or body views in whatever configuration is needed to create an entire lofting - eliminating the need for any manual lofting.
Prototype 50' Schooner Josephine
Perhaps just the body view will be printed out at full size as a lofting for assembling the frames of a metal boat, or as moulds for a wooden boat, or as mould frames for a GRP boat. The body view can be sent to a numerically controlled ink-jet print head which can 'print' the body view onto metal plates for use as the actual frame-building platen. For wooden vessels or when building a mold
for a GRP hull or superstructure, the body lines can be sent to a numerically controlled 2-axis router with a veining bit to cut the body lines into hard board for the same type of use.
The layout for interior bulkheads, soles, and even minor joinery partitions can also be lofted directly from the computer model.
In short, the uses for the computer generated
hull and superstructure model are quite extensive, and provide an extreme
advantage for modern design, analysis, and boat building.
Prototype 50' Fast Cat
