Electronics

Dear All,

I am student preparing to join the University of Southampton's Ship Science degree next September. I believe it to be an excellent degree course and am happy to answer any questions you may have.
I am currently studying, amongst other subjects, electronics and am finding it hard to relate to much of the material. I cannot directly see the relevance of electronics to naval architecture. I understand that many of a ships fundamental systems and hi-tech components are powered by electricity. However, my interests lie in hull form, sail plans, speed; the more fundamental aspects of a vessel.

I would be most grateful if you would share any premises you may have on the relevance of basic electronic theory to naval architecutre. Thank - you

Wishing you all happy sailing.

Owen Llewellyn

[MDV]

When I did my degree I had the same feelings about electronics, and in particular control theory. Now a few years on I find myself working with these aspects almost on a daily basis. If some day you want to be a manager or team leader in the design and constuction of a ship or boat, then you must know at least the basics.

In my first job after graduation, one of the first things I had to do, was check the that the electonics system on a small sailing yacht for charter work met the required local regulations.

For me the interisting points for electronics and control, that are closly related to Naval Architecure are:

Dynamic Positioning/Tracking Systems
Engine/Propulsion Control Systems, i.e. CPP Systems
Electronic Propulsion or Thruster Units.

Additionally in the area of research, a basic knowledge of electronics is usefull in towing tank tests, onboard stress measurement systems, motion monitoring systems etc...

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Michael

Michael,

Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it greatly! My lecturer will also like to thank you in a few days time when I finally develope a desire to learn the material he is teaching. I don't know whether you will agree of not, but I find the greatest rewards emerge from the most daunting and uninviting tasks.
I look forward to the examples from yourself and others seeding and more importantly, sustaining my interest in electronics.

With thanks,

Owen.


Michael, by the way, which university did you graduate from and with which degree?

[MDV]

Just to be clear, I still am not that fond of the subject in general, only the application makes it bearable.

I graduated from the Australian Maritime College in 1996, with a B.Eng (Naval Acrhitecture).

Regards,

Michael