THE IMPACT OF SHIP DESIGN MARGINS

The previously defined categories of Design and Construction Margins and Future Growth Margins are discussed briefly, and a third major category, Assurance Margins, is introduced and discussed in more detail. The feasibility of reducing margins to reduce ship size and cost is examined. Following a brief discussion of certain significant aspects of a version of the NAVSEC DD07 destroyer computer synthesis model and of the baseline ship used, the results of some computer studies of margin impacts are presented and interpreted. Changes in margins on space, weight, vertical center of gravity and power (propulsion and electrical) are investigated and their impacts expressed primarily as changes in full load displacement and in acquisition cost. The effects of combinations of margins are illustrated, and attempts are made to explain the mechanisms by which interactions occur.