Density as a cost driver in Naval submarine design and procurement
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Authors
Grant, Benjamin P.
Subjects
Advisors
Nussbaum, Daniel A.
San Miguel, Joseph G.
Date of Issue
2008-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines density reduction as an alternative to weight or size reduction when decision makers seek options for lower-cost submarine designs. The parameter density measures how tightly systems and equipment are placed within a hull structure. To address design characteristics unique to submarines, this research focuses mainly on submarine design and procurement--though the general concepts are applicable to surface ship designs and may be applied more broadly. Based on an examination of density as it relates to cost, this research indicates that: (1) the use of weight-reduction policies as a means to reduce cost have often generated the opposite effect; (2) increased cost, schedule and performance risk and an improper mix of design capability and flexibility are the inevitable outcomes of unnecessarily dense designs; and (3) Arc-permeability and Internal Density, measures developed for this research, are sufficient approximations of how tightly systems and equipment are placed within a compartment. Indeed, they may reveal how density represents a significant and previously underemphasized, if not unexplained, driver of historic submarine cost-growth in excess of inflation.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Business Administration
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 82 p. : ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined
in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the
public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States
Code, Section 105, is not copyrighted in the U.S.