It dawned upon me that Kerri and Kyle (Webb's media relations and communications dept.) might need content for winter work posts--which means I should probably start posting in accordance to my proposed schedule (every Monday).
To make up for all my missed posts, I will be publishing multiple posts this week.
Let's begin by talking about what's likely on everyone's minds--work.
Delta Marine has been a unique internship experience. As I mentioned in my introductory post, Delta Marine specializes in custom-built yachts, so every project is different than the last. Each customer that comes to Delta has a different dream that they want to be actualized. Some are former clients looking do downsize after becoming grandparents, others are newcomers who have shopped the market and found nothing that fits their requirements. It's up to Delta and its team to turn these wishes into reality.
The process typically starts with a drawing--an outboard profile as seen below.
This gives the client an idea of what their future yacht could look like. Discussions might go back and forth between Delta and the potential client for a month or a couple years, until the two parties finally agree on product.
Once they do, it's the responsibility of the naval architecture department (that's me) and the mechanical engineering team to to turn the vision into reality.
So, how have I been contributing to this process?
One of my first assignments involved transferring 3D structure modeled in Rhino to a 2D print in AutoCAD. This was a great opportunity to familiarize myself with one of Delta's current new-builds and practice some visual thinking. I've also had to perform tonnage calculations and deliver construction drawings to production. Interacting with production on a daily basis is another unique aspect of working at Delta. Since the shipyard and design offices are a two minute leisurely walk from one another Delta naval architects have the unique opportunity to see their designs materialize step by step as well as work on mini-projects to help the craftsmen in their work.
My most recent project is to develop the internal structure of the rudder. Wood used to be the preferred material for rudders built for fiberglass boats. However, since the 1960s fiberglass rudders with metal internal structure has been the norm.
Although the configuration of fiberglass rudders can differ, they are typically composed of a rudder stock--a cylindrical piece of stainless steel which can be solid or hollow--that is welded to a vertical metal plate and/or horizontal fins which are then encased in two fiberglass skins. The hollow space between the skins and metal internal structure can be filled with core or resin. So a typical spade fiberglass rudder may look as follows:
If you would like to learn some more about fiberglass rudders, but are not familiar with the naval architecture field, here are some helpful links:
The difficulty with writing winter work blogs, is that you must maintain a level of confidentiality when discussing your work and the shipyard. That is why students typically discuss their projects in very vague terms.
However, if you would like to gain a better idea of what takes place in a fiberglass shipyard and how this rudder drawing may potentially materialize in the yard I have included the following video which does a great job of explaining some glass basics. Keep in mind that in a proper shipyard glass laying is typically not done by hand (with the exception of smaller pieces). Instead, vacuum infusion is performed. I will explain this process more in depth in future posts.
Till next time, stay well!