Computers in Ship Design and Production: Necessary Steps to the Payoff
Abstract
During the last decade, numerically controlled (N/C) flame cutting systems have established themselves firmly as an integral part of the shipbuilding industry, but the computer software systems which have been developed to generate the N/C instructions prove to be a continually growing and expanding component of the process. A number of such systems are commercially available, all vigorously developing new capabilities which are marketed as successive versions of the systems. This paper cites directions of new development in a number of the leading systems and generalizes to identify several visible trends in the development of shipbuilding software systems. These trends are explained in terms of the technical and economic mechanisms driving them. We should expect these trends to culminate in a new payoff of benefits distinct from the advantages which we currently realize from N/C processes. The pathway from the present situation to the realization of this payoff contains pitfalls, however. This paper will attempt to illuminate one such hazard which has been underpublicized, which we can do something about, and which we must act on, now or the opportunity will be lost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA444995
Entities
People
- Bernard M. Thomson
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division