Design Spiral A change to any one parameter will affect many factors and in turn , require change to other

parameters , it is virtually impossible to change one dimension or parameter without significant effects upon many dependent variables. There are many ways of representing this convergent process but one of the most evocative is the design spiral.

Design spiral

This conveys both the interactive and the iterative nature of the whole ship design. Generation of the need for the ship is represented at the centre of the spiral from economic or military argument. The order in which factors are considered and indeed which ones are omitted is a matter of judgement . The number of circuits made until satisfactory convergence has been achieved will also vary with each ship design but they will be least when the most appropriate prime parameter has been chosen. To see how small changes in each dimension affect stability, strength, seakeeping, cost, and propulsion. This variational

analysis gives a designer a feel for the design, assisting his judgement as he proceeds. Designers will set up very early in feasibility, a dialogue with those concerned to establish firmly what accommodation should be provided.

At the full design stage changes will still occur but by this stage the changes will be more in the nature of adjustments and the interaction will be much reduced. At the design production stage the nature of the activity changes and the spiral can be discarded. Design then becomes activity in the shipyard design office and those who order the materials and build the ship. The object of the feasibility stage is to ensure that the elements of the ship design form a matching set. At this stage also items which require development or which involve any technical risk are identified, programmes are draw up and preparations are made for the major commitment of full design development.