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An Introduction to Naval Architecture
A major goal of the engineering programs at the Naval Academy is to provide our engineering students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of engineering.
But what IS engineering?
Engineering is an open-ended process during which scientific knowledge is converted to useful products for the benefit of society.
In order to perform this transformation, an engineer must be inquisitive and broadly educated, he or she must be knowledgeable in the sciences and in the language of engineering - namely mathematics, and he or she must be well educated in the fundamental courses common to all engineering disciplines - courses in: statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials, electrical theory, and experimental techniques.
With this essential background established, a student can begin to apply his or her knowledge to a specific engineering problem - such as the design of a ship.Naval architecture is that field of engineering which addresses how we can apply our acquired wealth of knowledge to conceive of, design, test, build, and operate ships. All types of ships and boats - recreational to naval, small to big, operating on or under the sea, sails to nuclear, etc. Think of some of the features that a ship must have - for instance:
- A ship is a self-contained entity - it must operate for extended periods in a very hostile environment (storm tossed seas, submerged, corrosion).
- A ship has a human crew, it is self-propelled, and carries those systems {electrical generation and distribution, water and sewage, HVAC, habitability (staterooms, galley, heads, etc.), cargo handling, weapons, propulsion, maneuvering, and many others} which are essential to economically and effectively accomplish its mission or missions.
- A ship can have a very long service life.
- A ship has to be able to protect itself (navigational aids, mobility, maneuverability, weapons systems) and, if necessary, to absorb punishment (watertight subdivision, double hulls, pumps, and fire fighting).
- A ship is very complex . To design a ship is an extremely challenging but immensely interesting task. An undergraduate education in naval architecture will provide you the tools to begin to pursue this engineering challenge.
You will be an engineer, a naval architect, and an individual who is capable of finding viable economical and technical solutions to a variety of complex and open-ended engineering problems. Such as:
How to safely and efficiently move a variety of cargoes across the world’s oceans (cruise liners, tankers, containerships, heavy lift ships, tug-barge units, etc.).
How to effectively project your nation’s economic, political, and military objectives across the seas (aircraft carriers, frigates, submarines, cargo ships, etc.).
How to best protect your nation’s coastline, resources, and waterborne trade (patrol craft, buoy tenders, oil spill response ships, escort tugs, etc.).
How to safely explore and wisely exploit the abundant resources found in the ocean’s depths and in its ice covered areas (drill ships, fishing boats, oceanographic ships, icebreakers, etc.).
How to provide better boats and ships for entertainment, sport, and recreational boating (excursion boats, casino boats, sailing yachts, motor yachts, etc.).
As an engineer and as a naval architect you can contribute in so many ways to so many problems that you truly stand at a threshold of opportunity.
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