ENGINEERING FOR THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
More than 70 percent of our planet is covered by water. Engineering
for the marine environment covers the design and production of all types
of systems to operate successfully in this often harsh and demanding
environment. In addition to traditional naval
architecture and marine engineering, instruction is offered in offshore engineering, coastal engineering, and marine environmental engineering. Recent
graduates are active in design and research related to offshore oil
and gas exploration and production platforms. Others are involved in
overcoming water-borne pollution transport in the Great Lakes and the
oceans, and coastal erosion predictions, as well as the design of traditional
ships, submersibles, high-speed vessels and recreational craft. A number
of our alumni have leading roles in the design of America’s Cup racing
yachts.
Since the design of modern marine systems encompasses many engineering
fields, graduates of this department are called upon to handle diverse
professional responsibilities. Therefore, the program includes study
in the fundamentals of the physical sciences and mathematics as well
as a broad range of engineering aspects that constitute design for the
marine environment. To provide the appropriate educational breadth,
it is also desirable that as many courses in the humanities and social
sciences are elected as can be accommodated. It is recognized that the
under-graduate program cannot, in the time available, treat all important
aspects of engineering for the marine environment that may be desired
by the student; therefore, graduate work is encouraged.
Ship and offshore platform analysis and design require knowledge of
hull geometry, vessel arrangements, hydrostatic stability, structures,
resistance, propulsion, maneuvering, and seakeeping. Other areas of
concern are the economic aspects of design and operation, production,
model testing, propulsor and control theory, vibration problems, and
piping and electrical system analysis and design.
The undergraduate degree program is arranged to give the student a broad
engineering mechanics education by requiring basic courses in the areas
of structural mechanics, hydrodynamics, marine power systems, and marine
dynamics. These courses cover engineering fundamentals and their application
to the design and construction of marine vehicles and systems. Courses
in marine structures deal with the design and analysis of marine vehicles
and platforms including static strength, fatigue, dynamic response,
safety, and production. Resistance, maneuvering, and seakeeping characteristics
of bodies in the marine environment are the subject matter for courses
in marine hydrodynamics. Marine power systems involve all the mechanical
systems on a marine vehicle with particular emphasis on the selection
and arrangement of the main propulsion system. In marine dynamics, the
student studies the vibrations of marine structures and engines and
the rigid body responses of the vessel to wind and waves. Through the
use of technical and free electives, students may decide to focus their
education in areas such as
An integration of the material covered in earlier courses
takes place in the two-semester, final design sequence. In the first
course of this sequence, the student works on a class design project
using state-of-the-art computer-aided design tools. In the second
semester, the students form design teams and work on projects of their
choosing. Recent final design projects included a Volvo Around the
World racing yacht, high-speed ferry boats, an escort tug, a Coast
Guard offshore cutter, a sport fisherman, a large cruise ship, a small
deep-submergence submarine, harbor design, and a mega yacht.
The department works closely with the marine industry and is able
to assist graduates in obtaining positions in the field. The department
is in constant touch with the country’s marine design offices, shipyards,
ship operators, government agencies, and other organizations concerned
with ocean development. A summer
internship program allows students to work in the marine field
and receive academic credit. Academic credit is earned by successful
completion of a job-related project; the final written report is formally
presented to faculty and students the following semester.
Students who meet the academic requirements of both departments may
earn an additional B.S.E. degree in another engineering discipline,
or in combined programs with other
engineering departments. The combined programs allow substantial substitution
of courses required in one regular program for those required in the
other, and typically can be completed in one extra term.
Facilities for Undergraduate Use
The department operates the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory (MHL)
located on Central Campus. The laboratory houses a 110 x 6.7 x 3.2
meter towing tank, a low turbulence-free surface water channel, a
gravity-capillary water wave facility, a 35-meter-long gravity wave
tank, and a propeller tunnel for student use. The laboratory is equipped
with appropriate shops and state-of-the-art instrumentation, much
of which was developed in-house.
Undergraduate students are required to take at least one laboratory
course that uses the model basin. The MHL also hires students on a
part-time basis to help with ongoing research.
The department provides the Undergraduate Marine Design Laboratory
(UMDL) to support student design work in sophomore through senior
classes. Teams of seniors work in this laboratory to develop and present
their final design projects. The laboratory contains 15 team work
areas, each with a Windows workstation, small drawing layout table,
and work desk. This laboratory also contains major Michigan-developed
and industrial ship design software needed in the design activities.
The laboratory also supports digitizing, scanning, and printing needs.
Dual Degrees
For students with special interests, dual degree programs leading
to two bachelor’s degrees are available. Favorite second degree areas
of concentration among naval architecture and marine engineering students
are aerospace engineering and mechanical
engineering. Combined degrees with other departments can also
be arranged. As early as possible, students interested in such dual
degree programs should consult with the program advisors in both programs
to work out optimum combinations of courses.
Requirements
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Naval
Architecture & Marine Engineering)—(B.S.E. Nav. Arch. & Marine
E.)—must complete the program listed under Undergraduate
Program Requirements. This sample schedule is an example of one
leading to graduation in eight terms.
In the fourth year, students are required to select two four-credit
technical electives from a prescribed list. These electives allow students to focus their
education in specific areas. Example
focus areas and possible courses are as follows:
Marine Structures: NA
410 and NA
440
Marine Manufacturing: NA
410 and NA
562
High speed Craft Design: NA
401 and NA
431 or NA
440
Marine Power Systems: NA
431 and NA
401 or NA
410
Sailing Yachts: NA
403 and NA
410, NA
431, or NA
440
These and other combinations of free and technical electives
should be selected in consultation with the Undergraduate Program
Advisor. Students are strongly
encouraged to review the possible options prior to their senior year.
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