EBDG - Services - Analysis

At times, vessel design objectives seem in opposition to each other. It’s only through close study with the proper tools, experience, and planning that the optimum solution can present itself. We understand that the art and science of naval architecture and vessel design resides within the controlling environments of vessel operations, government regulation, shipyard capabilities, and economic objectives. EBDG uses the latest in state-of-the-art tools, selectively applied, to help our customers resolve difficult problems.

FEA Solutions - FEA is the application of finite element method, which is a method of first principal analysis for simulating the behavior of materials. FEA looks at how the materials will act together in any given situation. FEA, in its basic form, is a broad and powerful technique that has a variety of applications - both structural and non-structural. Structural applications include two and three-dimensional linear elastic analysis including buckling and dynamics. With the aid of iterative techniques, the method can also be applied to non-linear solid mechanics.

Seakeeping & Hydrodynamics - We use tools that predict standard ship motions and responses, including longitudinal bending, shear loads, relative motion, and velocity. We can predict displacement, velocities and accelerations within regular waves, irregular seas, wind, and current. Probabilities and frequencies of submergence, emergence, and/or slamming can be predicted as well. Hydrodynamic loads can be subsequently transferred to space frame and/or finite element models for structural analysis.

Structural Analysis - Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is an engineering tool for analyzing structures, fluids, electromagnetic, and heat transfer problems. With FEA, we can determine forces, stresses, strains, temperatures, and magnetic fields on existing or proposed structures. We can model forms and impose static or dynamic loads, then produce displacement or stress color contour plots and graphs. With these tools it is possible to visualize stresses upon three-dimensional structure under various loading conditions during the design phase. This process saves time and expensive mistakes and helps provide a superior product.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - CFD is an analytical method to resolve problems regarding fluid flow. Our CFD strategy is to expand cutting edge analysis capabilities for front end new-build vessel designs. At EBDG, we kick the "PhD perception" out of the picture and mainstream the technology to the marine services market place. CFD compliments EBDG's finite element analysis services, offering additional analysis capabilities to solve our customer's challenges. We also use CFD as an alternative or precursor to model basin testing.

Propulsion - Prediction and analysis of vessel speed and power performance is another design calculation we perform. We can design and analyze any type of displacement, semi displacement, planing craft, river barge, sail boat, and catamaran. These calculations enable us to select the most suitable propulsion system components including engines, gears, and propellers. We can assess current system performance calculations, from resistance through engine power, fuel rate, and cavitation, and recommend component and system alternatives or modifications.

Stability - EBDG routinely performs grounding, intact, and damage stability analysis using all criteria for any vessel including the IMO, USCG NVIC, and 46 CFR and 33 CFR criteria. Using a computer model of the hull and special stability software, we do weight and hydrostatics calculations. We’ve performed analysis reviews for many working vessels and recommended modifications that will allow the vessel to carry more cargo and still operate within stability standards. This enables owners to maximize the productivity of their equipment. It is important for owners to update stability calculations for a vessel when modifications are made. Modifications may place the vessel outside the envelope of safety defined by applicable stability criteria and put life and cargo at risk.

Transportation Analysis - EBDG has developed a software package that allows analysis of vessel operating costs, capital costs, revenue potential, and return on investment. This tool uses physics-based design principals to model vessel performance and capacity, to enable us to evaluate a variety of marine transportation challenges for our customers. We recently completed a comparison analysis for a vessel operator. We compared different sizes and speeds of offshore supply vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico. A critical step of the analysis was an accurate estimation of construction costs so the impact of higher horsepower propulsion plants or greater vessel length could be compared to existing vessels. Our software features a cost estimation routine that uses data mined from actual construction projects to establish parametric cost numbers for structure, propulsion, electrical plant, auxiliary machinery, and outfit items, to compare large, fast crewboats and slow, high capacity offshore supply vessels.

Elliott Bay Design Group LLC
5305 Shilshole Ave. NW
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone 206.782.3082
Fax 206.782.3449
Email: info@ebdg.com

New Orleans
Elliott Bay Design Group LLC
1100 Poydras Street, 20th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70163
Phone 504.529.1754
Fax 504.529.1974