Lesson Twenty-five Computer development and the naval architect Those who have attained some familiarity with computer operation and application have subsequently learned hat they must continually keep abreast of developments or rapidly behind, not only in regard to programming skills but most naval architects have properly decided that their interest is in using the computer and are willing to permit specialists to design the computers. However, the advent of graphical input-output devices, for example, cannot help but affect the manner in which naval architects relate to the computer. The concept of time sharing (multiple simultaneous use of the computer from remote consoles)is just achieving popularity and surely will result in wider computer usage. These brief remarks on the use of computers in naval not involve the tremendous advances in computer technology, some of these now seen sensational, even though many of these must in time change the practice of naval architecture. It is important, though, to mention here the more immediate progress in the development of problem-oriented language and optimization techniques for engineering design. As an example, STRESS (STR Uctural Engineering Systems Solver)consists of a language that describes the problems and a processor or computer program that accepts problem descriptions in this language and produces he requested results. The communication with the computer approximates as much as possible the engineers language and is in essentially the terms which one engineer would use in instructing another. There are other examples(GMr DYANA, for dynamic systems, has achieved relatively wide usage)and it appears that the majority are not. That they will become so seems certain and that similar special systems for use particularly by naval architects will be developed also seems equally certain Another aspect of computer utilization, at present only indirectly related to naval-architecture calculations. is the increasing control of shipbuilding fabrication procedures by computer, notably the control of flame cutting burners after input data have been received, perhaps in polynomial from or as a detailed set of offset tables. As the actively in this area increases it is certain that there will evolve a much closer correlation between the format of what is considered a completely finished ship design and the material the shipyard actually needs to construct the ship, with resulting interaction between the designer and the shipbuilder to optimize their combined efforts The progress in graphical communication between man and machine, particularly with respect to three-dimensional representation and perception, has recently been rapid and presumably will be significant in this regard. Production scheduling inventory control, and many of the other data processing applications of computers will, of course, also play an ever larger part in revolutionizing shipyard operations Finally, the computer on board ships should in time affect design criteria and allow for safer and more economical operation through automatic decision making in regard to loading, engine operation,navigation, and other considerations. This too will in time affect the practice of naval architecture and may generate entirely new calculations for the naval architect to carry out. The development of computers will surely continue and they will play an ever-increasing role in almost all aspects of our activity. The principles of naval architecture may indeed remain unchanged, but their application must be profoundly affected by this vital tool as yet in its infancy The full impact of the computer and its capacity for increasing the engineers capabilities are eyond our present ability architecture will be implemented with ever-increasing intensity From "Principle of Naval Architecture.1967)Lesson Twenty-five Computer Development and the Naval Architect Those who have attained some familiarity with computer operation and application have subsequently learned hat they must continually keep abreast of developments or rapidly fall behind, not only in regard to programming skills but most naval architects have properly decided that their interest is in using the computer and are willing to permit specialists to design the computers. However, the advent of graphical input-output devices, for example, cannot help but affect the manner in which naval architects relate to the computer. The concept of time sharing (multiple simultaneous use of the computer from remote consoles) is just achieving popularity and surely will result in wider computer usage. These brief remarks on the use of computers in naval architecture calculations, however, need not involve the tremendous advances in computer technology, some of these now seen sensational, even though many of these must in time change the practice of naval architecture. It is important, though, to mention here the more immediate progress in the development of problem-oriented language and optimization techniques for engineering design. As an example, STRESS (STR Uctural Engineering Systems Solver) consists of a language that describes the problems and a processor or computer program that accepts problem descriptions in this language and produces he requested results. The communication with the computer approximates as much as possible the engineer’s language and is in essentially the terms which one engineer would use in instructing another. There are other examples (GMR DYANA, for dynamic systems, has achieved relatively wide usage) and it appears that the majority are not. That they will become so seems certain and that similar special systems for use particularly by naval architects will be developed also seems equally certain. Another aspect of computer utilization, at present only indirectly related to naval-architecture calculations. is the increasing control of shipbuilding fabrication procedures by computer, notably the control of flame cutting burners after input data have been received, perhaps in polynomial from or as a detailed set of offset tables. As the actively in this area increases it is certain that there will evolve a much closer correlation between the format of what is considered a completely finished ship design and the material the shipyard actually needs to construct the ship, with resulting interaction between the designer and the shipbuilder to optimize their combined efforts. The progress in graphical communication between man and machine, particularly with respect to three-dimensional representation and perception, has recently been rapid and presumably will be significant in this regard. Production scheduling inventory control, and many of the other data processing applications of computers will, of course, also play an ever larger part in revolutionizing shipyard operations. Finally, the computer on board ships should in time affect design criteria and allow for safer and more economical operation through automatic decision making in regard to loading, engine operation, navigation, and other considerations. This too will in time affect the practice of naval architecture and may generate entirely new calculations for the naval architect to carry out. The development of computers will surely continue and they will play an ever-increasing role in almost all aspects of our activity. The principles of naval architecture may indeed remain unchanged, but their application must be profoundly affected by this vital tool as yet in its infancy. The full impact of the computer and its capacity for increasing the engineer’s capabilities are beyond our present ability architecture will be implemented with ever-increasing intensity. (From “Principle of Naval Architecture”. 1967)