Ship design support software to be released
The classification society ClassNK has announced the release of a new version[ds_preview] of its PrimeShip-Hull (HCSR) ship design support software that is fully compliant with the new IACS Common Structural Rules (harmonised CSR) for oil tankers and bulk carriers. According to the company the software is the first in the world to fully support the new Common Structural Rules, which were adopted by IACS in December 2013. ClassNK is providing the software free of charge to its customers such as shipyards and designers around the world. All of the features of PrimeShip-Hull (HCSR) have been developed in close cooperation with shipyards, the company said.
The new IACS CSR should not only unify and harmonise the technical requirements of the existing Common Structural Rules for tankers and bulk carriers, they also incorporate new requirements for more comprehensive structural analysis at the design stage, including FEM analyses covering the entire range of cargo hold structures, new formulae for buckling and fatigue as well as residual strength criteria to enhance safety and reliability. The new rules will be applied to all bulk carriers over 90m and all oil tankers over 150m contracted on and after 1 July 2015.
In addition to the improved interface, PrimeShip-Hull (HCSR) also includes a number of features to support both initial and full ship design, for making it possible for shipyards and designers to rapidly carry out case studies of potential designs, as well as optimise their designs in accordance with the harmonised CSR.
