SigmaLAM - new software for marine composites

We have developed new software for marine composite structural calcs. Currently it covers:

- ISO12215-5:2019
- RS class for composite ships
- RCS for fiberglass boats

In plans: IRS for composite craft. Any suggestions for other classes?

One of the advantages is: we can calc to different rules and standards within the same file/interface.

 

I am fully aware of the enormous effort behind software like this. I wish you much success with it and that professionals in the sector are able to recognize the usefulness of your software. Congratulations and encouragement even if you do not get immediate positive responses. This type of software helps enormously in the "technification", quality and rigor of the projects.

 

Thanks TANSL, we have chosen a bit different model - we do not sell the software. Instead, we have got software certified (by RS-Class and RCS) provide calculation services under these classes. Doing other classes now.
I think it might work better compared to selling software to boat designers, as market is small and they always want it for free

 

Indeed, they are totally different models, but with both of them we intend, you and I, to obtain satisfaction of a very similar type. In any case, I have focused on obtaining a tool that allows the designer to deal with all aspects and all types of ships covered by ISO 12215. I have not tried to work with other regulations. But I'm sure users can be thankful that software like yours and mine exists. Perhaps for a specific calculation your software covers a broader market niche but, in my opinion, a designer with many and varied projects (of which there are fewer every day, by the way), will be able to obtain more benefits in the long term, with the another model. Users will say.
I repeat, good luck, I wish you much success.

 

That's basically what I did with my DNV ally rules in the late 90s, as the "Golden Rules" was getting overly complex.
But now...quick and simple to produce a midship section.
I also started doing a similar one for LR rules, but since they bought out their SSC software, it was no longer necessary...i just their SSC software now.

 

TANSL, I see you have free version of the software, what is different from commercial version?

 

It is not a free version but a <<demo>> that performs the same operations as the commercial version and can be used, checked, for 30 days. The difference is that the <<demo>> does not allow you to print the results.
Apart from the great work involved in creating and launching any type of software, user support is a great effort on the part of the distributor, so the free versions can be exhausting. But we all know that a very important part of any software is the help system and user support. This is an aspect that is not valued enough but that should be decisive when selecting any software.

 

Hi @Alik , congratulations. This is very interesting. Do you plan to extend it to cover other materials like metal (aluminum, steel) or wood (laminated, plywood, ...)?

 

For the local strength version (SigmaLAM), we do not plan to extend to other materials. Because our main purpose was to have certified software for composite hulls under RS and RCS class. We also added IRS class recently.
However, we are doing SigmaGS which is global strength assessment. This covers any combinations of materials, assuming that hull can be in steel/alu/wood and superstructure in composite.

PS For interest, signed into your course on composites few months ago. Interesting.

 

I see. Thanks!

 

That is great. Thanks!

I checked and found you at Navalapp (it took a little time since here you use a nickname). We are even connected there. I am glad to have you on board.

 

As a boat builder, I was always perplexed at how 'artsy' composites design seemed.

I realize your software is addressing a different crowd, but for a builder, we are often faced with or told, rather, the notion that building to class rules for all but blue water vessels (and even then) is excessive.

I would have like to known what the absolute minimum would be for my boat, for example, to be able to speak to it, and to escape the artful business.

A minimum standard for vessels categories A-D seems like it is needed. I'm only pointing out how it is to be an amateur builder facing laminate uncertainty. I'm not convinced ISO is that minimum.

And I believe there is some other understood standard; otherwise how does someone arrive at less than ISO? Finger in air?

all the best to you, Alik, just providing a few thoughts that have occurred over the course of my build working with designers of less than ISO and designers who wished to adhere to ISO for the same boat..

 

Define 'excessive'.
However, speaking about commercial builds - not leisure builds - they may appear so, to a builder.

And there in lies the rub.
Define absolute minimum?!....every boat is different, and designed for: what duty, purpose, longevity, price, to perform a job once or twice or more??...etc etc.
There are far too many variables to have an absolute "minimum" to cover all bases.

I dont think anyone is saying it is...

That goes back to your first question, defining excessive.
Since it then becomes about risk mitigation - in the face of a set of unknowns.

As a measure of "compliance" all boats need to be designed to "some" standard. Otherwise it is simply a free for all, and no means of proving that it is fit-for-purpose, other than - maybe - calculations and perhaps some coupon testing. But that does not provide enough confidence that said laminate will last 1 week, 1 month, 1 year 10 years etc...in a myriad of loading scenarios.

So, for small boats most have used what they find easy to use or to read/understand- in terms of a set of prescriptive rules for design.
Historically, ISO was relatively "easy" to use, for none NAs or those that wish to define more what they are building with a degree of confidence - especially when the EU citing the need for CE markings for vessels being sold and used, even in the leisure market.
Unfortunately ISO is now a behemoth and much more complex that the rules it set out to replace - owing to what was perceived as complex and over engineered.

But bottom line is...you can select whatever measure you wish... it just appeaser most select ISO, not sure why.
Class rules, are not perfect, but far better than ISO.

So, next time, just ask your designer, what set of rules they have used and why...

 

Thanks for the input. To make it clear, SigmaLAM is NOT an ISO software. First, the loads are from user input; those can be ISO or any other (say, from first principles, tests, etc.). Second, safety factors can criteria can be adjusted by user. Third, it can assess structure under different rules.
This is different from HullScant, which is 'ISO compliance checker'.
With SigmaLAM, you can compare how the structure will pass under different rules or standards. And you can present the results to the Class if form they can accept it. Yes, it is for mainly written for commercial craft in composite, not for recreational or racing craft.