Selection of Hull Structural Material

Abstract

The author has previously investigated production of hull structure in steel, aluminum and titanium with application to a large, fast naval sealift trimaran and monohull. Reduced lightship weight, of which hull structure is generally the most significant component, will accommodate a greater payload or allow for a smaller vessel for the same purpose. The results of those studies are applied herein to a wide range of commercial vessels with hull material of steel, aluminum, titanium as well as FRP and ferro-cement. Consideration is given to identifying the most advantageous hull material. The variables considered are years of service, payload, fuel consumption, maintenance, vessel size and cost. The results are presented on the basis of a measure of merit as a function of these characteristics.