An investigation into the use of data bases in computer-aided naval ship design

Abstract

A design-oriented, interactive computer system which makes possible the dynamic loading of programs at the user's request throughout the operating session has been developed. This system, which is referred to as DEX, also allows the user to select various types of files as the source and destination of information during the session. With respect to one type of file, databases, DEX introduces a more versatile form of organization and use. An extended DEX library of subroutines is developed which enables the user to read and write integer scalar, real scalar and one-dimensional real array variables and to edit from the terminal integer and real scalar values. It also enables the user to employ during input and output sequences the unit system of his choice. A proposal is offered for the organization of DEX databases for the preliminary design of naval ships. Suggestions are made, based on a demonstration computer program, for employing existing ship databases to support a generalized ship synthesis model.