Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic analysis of a lengthened DDG-51 destroyer modified repeat

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the feasibility of lengthening the current DDG-51 ARLEIGH BURKE class destroyers and the resulting effects on the hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. A modified repeat of a current, proven ship design would offer a more cost-effective solution for the acquisition of ships to reach the U.S. Navy goal of a 313-ship fleet in the 30-year shipbuilding plan. An analysis is performed to determine a proposed length that would be added to the ship at the parallel midbody. The current DDG-51 hullform is compared to this lengthened version, analyzing the key hydrostatic and hydrodynamic characteristics. The result is a ship that would be able to offer increased mission capability with increased weight and electrical power margins. This modified repeat would also offer potential cost savings, as compared to designing a completely new surface combatant.