SHIP-HULL GEOMETRY REPRESENTATION WITH B-SPLINE SURFACE PATCHES

A program for the representation of ship-hull geometry by means of B-spline curves and surfaces has been developed. Lines on the hull surface running along the length of the ship and sections with transverse planes are interpolated by B-splines. The vectors tangent to longitudinal ship lines on their intersections with transverse sections are also interpolated by B-splines. B-spline surface patches are generated between consecutive transverse sections. Tangent-vector continuity is preserved across the patches. Bias functions applied to tangent vectors enhance design flexibility. Special features, such as knuckles and plane areas, are easily incorporated. Interaction with the program is accomplished through a suitable user interface.