Analysis of Classification Societies’ Rules for Yacht Superstructure Scantlings – Application to a Light Alloy Superstructure

Abstract

The objective of this master thesis is to analyse the main Classification Societies Rules about superyacht superstructures and compare their scantling rules. Then a finite element analysis of the superstructure of a yacht is carried out in order to compare the results with those obtained by the Rules. In a time where safety and efficiency is ever so important this could be the starting point of a procedure to optimize the overall performance of the yacht by better understanding the loads and stresses in the superstructure and then trying to optimise them. For the comparison of the different scantling rules for displacement aluminium yachts, the main focus will be on the scantling of plates and structures of the superstructure. For reference a 45m Benetti semi-custom yacht was chosen, where a parametric analysis will not be considered (i.e. dependence of the rules according to the main dimensions of a boat). The idea of the FEM analysis is to better understand how the superstructure performs with different load conditions. Therefore this analysis will provide a more detailed understanding of possible critical areas. Modelling will be done with MSC Patran and MSC Nastran will be used as the solver. The thesis was done in collaboration with the Azimut-Benetti shipyard, a world leader in the production of superyachts, which gave the permission to use one of their steel/aluminium yachts for this thesis; to undertake a large amount of the work at their R&D office; to provide support from the designer and structural engineers from the host institution; to insert part of their technical documentation.