MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR COMPUTER-AIDED SHIP DESIGN.

The rapid evolution of the microcomputer has changed the software needs of today's naval architects. The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at The University of Michigan has been a leader in the application of computers in ship design education. The computer environment readily available to the department's students has changed dramatically in the past few years with the evolution of the Computer-Aided Marine Design Laboratory within the department and the creation of the Computer Aided Engineering Network (CAEN) within the College of Engineering. The microcomputer facilities available to the students are briefly described. Examples of the use of selected programs are presented to illustrate the capabilities. Plans for further work are outlined. The effort is well toward the goal of a complete, microcomputer-based ship design software environment.