StarBoat

User manual

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Table of contents

1. Scope of application ............................................................................................................................ 4

2. General ................................................................................................................................................ 4

2.1. Overall principle ........................................................................................................................... 4

2.2. General tools and informations.................................................................................................... 5

a) Tree graphic charter .................................................................................................................... 5

b) Tooltips on unavailable commands ............................................................................................ 6

c) Computing /unlocking calculations ............................................................................................. 6

d) « Info » icons ............................................................................................................................... 7

e) « Magnifying glass » icons ........................................................................................................... 7

3. Basic Ship data ..................................................................................................................................... 8

4. Frame table.......................................................................................................................................... 9

5. Tank arrangement ............................................................................................................................. 11

6. Materials and scantling criteria ......................................................................................................... 12

6.1. Materials definitions .................................................................................................................. 12

6.2. Scantling criteria ......................................................................................................................... 13

7. Beam properties ................................................................................................................................ 14

8. Hull girder loads................................................................................................................................. 15

9. Hull girder strength ........................................................................................................................... 16

10. Hull local scantlings ......................................................................................................................... 18

10.1. Overall principle ....................................................................................................................... 18

10.2. Colour legend ........................................................................................................................... 19

10.3. Decks and Bulkheads ................................................................................................................ 19

10.4. Checkbox “take into account longitudinal strength”(NR600) .................................................. 20

10.5. Buckling Section ....................................................................................................................... 20

11. Additional tools ............................................................................................................................... 21

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 a) Several copy tools are available : .............................................................................................. 21

b) Sorting tool ................................................................................................................................ 22

c) Calculation based on user pressures values .............................................................................. 22

d) Dry unit loads (NR600) .............................................................................................................. 22

11.2. Summary interactive tables in parent nodes ........................................................................... 23

12. Superstructures local scantlings ...................................................................................................... 24

12.1. Preliminary Note (NR600) ........................................................................................................ 24

12.2. Overall principle ....................................................................................................................... 24

12.3. Summary interactive tables in parent nodes ........................................................................... 25

13. Anchorage ....................................................................................................................................... 26

14. Reporting menu (Word & Excel only) .............................................................................................. 29

1.1. Print customised ......................................................................................................................... 29

1.2. Print pressures............................................................................................................................ 29

15. Tools / Pressures tables ................................................................................................................... 29

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 1. Scope of application
StarBoat is dedicated to structural assessment of:

 cargo ships less than 65 m and non-cargo ships less than 90 m, according to NR600 Rules

 yachts, according to NR500 Rules.

Additional requirements in relation to the service notation or service feature assigned to the ship are
not covered by the software.

Moreover, for calculation using composite materials, only pressures are computed in StarBoat.
Scantlings are to be calculated using ComposIT software.

2. General
2.1. Overall principle

StarBoat has been designed in order to be as intuitive as possible.

The mains steps of a ship design/approbation are presented in a tree

displayed in the left part of the screen.

The functioning of all the main nodes are detailed in the following
chapters.

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2.2. General tools and informations

a) Tree graphic charter

A graphic charter allows the user to quickly identify if calculations are defined in a node or under a
parent node, and if all calculations of this node fulfill the rule’s criteria.

Standard black font means that no

calculations are computed in (or
under) the node

Italic font means that calculations are

defined in (or under) the node but at
least one of them is not computed

Bold font means that calculations are

defined in (or under) the node and all
of them are computed

Green font means that all computed

calculations in (or under) the node
fulfill the rule’s criteria.

Red font means that at least one

computed calculations in (or under)
the node doesn’t fulfill the rule’s
criteria

computed

The active node is highlighted in blue

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 b) Tooltips on unavailable commands
When « compute » command are unavailable, a tooltip with an explicit message is dispayed when
sliding the pointer on it.

c) Computing /unlocking calculations

All data used in a computed

calculation are locked. Corresponding
cells are displayed with yellow
background.

Calculation using those data are to be

unlock to allow their modification

Calculation
The compute/unlock operation can be performed at different levels:using those data are to be
unlock to allow their modification

For a single calculation.

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 For a node, by using the menu bar
“Hull girder strength”, “Hull local
scantlings” or “Superstructures local
scantlings” as relevant, or right
clicking on the node in the tree.

The operation will then be applied on

all the calculations in the node (or
under if parent node).

For all the defined calculations of the

database using the application menu “All
calculations”, or the shortcut F5

d) « Info » icons
Clicking on this icon allows to access to information regarding the corresponding data: for example a
figure extract from the rules or an explanation on how this data is used in the software.

e) « Magnifying glass » icons

Clicking on this icon allows to access to intermediate calculation parameters.

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 3. Basic Ship data
The first step when creating a new database is to define all the main data of the ship in the Basic Ship
data node.

In this node, magnifying glasses icons allow to access to ship motions parameters and accelerations.

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 4. Frame table
The frame table input is an optional step, allowing to define the frame’s positions all along the length
of the ship.

+/- buttons are used to add

or delete groups of frames.
Each group is defined by :
- A start frame
- An end frame
- A spacing
Colored areas
correspond to
longitudinal areas
This tool allows defined in NR600.
to copy directly
the frame table
from an excel
sheet

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Frame numbers are only used as
longitudinal reference points for:
- scantling calculations
- hull girder strength calculations

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 5. Tank arrangement
The tank arrangement definition is a necessary step if scantling calculations of elements under internal
loads are further to be computed.

All data relative to each tank are defined in a library in order to have then only to select a tank to access
to all its characteristics.

The tank arrangement window is vertically divided in two parts:

- The upper part is dedicated to liquid cargos

- The lower part is dedicated to bulk cargos (only for NR600 ships)

Moreover, the left frames of the main window are used to define cargo densities. The most common
ones are defined by default but their value may be modified. The user may also add new items in the
list.

In the two center frames, all defined tanks are listed with their main characteristics. The user can add,
delete or copy tanks using the buttons located at the top of the table. Those tables summary the main
values, for read-only.

Input of all tanks values is to be defined in the frame located at the right part of the screen, only
displayed when a tank is selected.

Densities catalog Tank list Detailed data

Liq.

Bulks
(NR600)

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 6. Materials and scantling criteria
6.1. Materials definitions

In this node, all the materials which will be used in the scantling calculations of plating, secondary and
primary stiffeners, bulwark stays and windows are to be defined.

Materials may be imported from catalogs implemented in the software.

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Materials may also be directly defined by the user, thanks to the button. The characteristics are
then to be manually entered.

The different materials of each libraries can then be deleted or moved up/down using the buttons:

Moreover, a checkbox allows to specify if the ship is designed with composite materials.

6.2. Scantling criteria

A specific command allows to display all scantling criteria for each material and each type of element.

NB : Scantling criteria are given here for information only. When performing a scantling calculation,
their values will be automatically computed and displayed for each loading case, depending of the
selected material.
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 7. Beam properties
All secondary and primary stiffeners characteristics (included bulwark stays) are to be defined in two
different libraries, distributed in the two dedicated tabs of the “Beam properties” node.

In each tab, the user has to enter in a first table “Properties” the shape, material(s) and main
dimensions of the different profiles

Then, a second table “Assemblies” is used to match one of the properties defined in the first table with
an attached plating. Geometric properties of the assemblies are also displayed.

An assembly may also be created directly from user defined values of Ash in cm2 and Zmin in cm3, using
the last item of the scrolling menu in the “property” column.

NB: The geometric properties of the “steel bulb” property implemented in the software are calculated
using the equivalent dimensions of an angle profile defined in the NR600/NR500 Rules.

In each tab, the names of created properties and assemblies are automatically generated by the
software depending on their properties, unless the checkbox “Custom name” has been checked.

A new entry may also be copied:

 from a previous one in the same tab using the button

 from the other tab (sec. stiffener or primary stiffener) using the buttons or

 imported from an excel sheet using the button .

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 8. Hull girder loads
In this node are displayed all the hull girder loads values computed by the software based on Basic ship
data and Tank arrangements input values.

The user can also enter:

 Designer values for bending moment and shear force still water conditions

 Length of digging in wave for multihull

 Rig loads values for monohull sailing yachts with one mast in NR 500 and for ship fitted with a
wind propulsion system in NR 600.

NB: Designer values of bending moment and still water shear force are locked if calculations are
run in Hull girder strength node.

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 9. Hull girder strength
The Hull girder strength node interface is divided in two parts:

- The upper part is dedicated to the creation, deletion and copy of new sections

- The lower part is dedicated to the input of detailed data and displaying of results for each
section.

Two different methods are available to create a new section.

 to create a section defining the following parameters :

- Iy, in m4, the moment of inertia of the section considered

- N, in m , the Z-coordinate of the center of gravity of the transverse section

- z, in m, the z-coordinates of each considered point of the section

- Material at the considered point

 to create a section defining the following parameters :

- ZA, in m3, the section modulus of each considered point of the section.

- Material at the considered point.

Vertical shear stress may also be computed by checking the corresponding box and entering the shear
section Sa, in m2, and selecting a material. It’s possible to specify that the section is only in aluminum
by checking the check box “Aluminum section”.

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The X value is used to identify and sort the different sections, and may be defined selecting a frame

with the tool (only available when a frame table has been defined).

Each section can be computed separately, using the icon or the menu bar of the software. All
defined sections may also be computed together, using the menu bar or right-clicking on the node in
the tree.

The detailed results are then displayed in the tab “Results”, only visible when the calculation is locked.

A tab is also available to enter possible comments.

* in the title of the tab means that some comments are entered.

The color legend of results is detailed in the upper part of the window :

 red/orange/green for NR 600 ships

 Red/green for NR 500 ships

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 10. Hull local scantlings
10.1. Overall principle

The interface of each calculation node is divided in two parts:

 In the upper part, the four longitudinal areas of the hull are represented by four columns. In each
of them, a command bar allows to create, delete, copy, move or sort calculations. Each calculation
is represented by a summary cell with main input data in blue and output data in black. Detailed
data for each calculation are accessible in the lower part of the window, by clicking on the
corresponding cell.

 In the lower part,

o A first tab is dedicated to input the detailed data for each calculation

o A second one (appearing only when calculation are done) is dedicated to displaying
of results

o The third one is dedicated to input of possible comments.

In the tab “Results” are displayed all the detailed results for each load case computed. Cases for which
results don’t fulfill the rule’s criteria are displayed in red font. Intermediate calculation parameters are
also available when clicking on the magnifying glasses icon.

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NB: Entries which are useless for the current calculation are unavailable. For example:

- The “bottom impact pressure for flat bottom area” checkbox is only visible in the 3 rd and 4th
area, for monohulls and catamarans having a navigation notation other than “sheltered area”

- The selection of “load area for impact pressure” is only available for multihulls having a service
notation other than “launch” or “sheltered area”, when the z mid-edge value (or (zup+zdown)/2
for stiffeners) is higher than the draught T entered in the basic ship data.

10.2. Colour legend

A color code applied on summary cells allows to quickly identify the status of defined calculations:

o A non-computed calculation is displayed in a white cell.

o A calculation for which actual scantling fulfill the rule’s criteria is displayed in a green cell.

o A calculation for which actual scantling does not fulfill the rule’s criteria is displayed in a red
cell.

o A pressure calculation based on composite material is displayed in a grey cell.

o A calculation for which actual scantling does not fulfill the rule’s criteria can be manually
changed from a red cell into a yellow cell by clicking on the button available in the comment
window, in order to notify that this calculation as however been approved.

o A “user pressure value” type calculation is displayed with an orange frame.

Moreover, a warning icon may appear in a summary cell to notify particular cases. Explicit tooltips are
available when sliding the pointer on the icon.

10.3. Decks and Bulkheads

The nodes Decks, Transverse bulkheads and Longitudinal bulkheads are intermediate nodes from
which the user can create as many calculation nodes as he wants, using the command available in the
“Hull local scantling menu” or by right–clicking on it and selecting “create a deck/bulkhead”.

A new node is then automatically created in each of the three types of elements (plating/secondary
stiffeners/primary stiffeners). The three created nodes are linked and share the same general values
(name of the node or the z value for decks, x for bulkheads).

Warning: The deletion of one deck or bulkhead node will automatically delete the two linked nodes.

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 10.4. Checkbox “take into account longitudinal strength”(NR600)

In the “input data” tab of calculations of longitudinal elements, a checkbox allows to choose a value of
σA previously calculated in the hull girder strength node or to enter a user one, in order to take into
account local and global stresses combination criteria, as per defined in NR600.

10.5. Buckling Section

When the user select the Buckling checkbox in the Calculation types section, the buckling section will
be showing at the end.

For plating, the user can enter global stress and shear manually or use the button on the right to
choose a value previously calculated in the hull girder strength node like in 10.4.

For stiffener, the user have to enter global stress like platings and enter data for local buckling.

Note: This checkbox is only available in Bottom, Side/Internal shell, Deck and Longitudinal bulkhead
nodes. The types of stiffeners which can be studied are listed in the NR500/NR600 rules.

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 11. Additional tools
a) Several copy tools are available :
 Copy of single calculation:

 In the command bar of each column of longitudinal area, a button allows to copy all the input
data of a calculations in a new one in the same longitudinal area or in another one.

The calculation which will be copied is the one selected (framed with blue color). The column
where the button is activated define in which longitudinal area the new calculation will be
created.

 At the left of the upper window in calculations nodes, several copy tools are also available,
allowing to copy all the relevant input data of the selected calculation in a new calculation, which
will be created in the equivalent node (i.e same type of structure: Bottom, “Deck 1”, …):

copy of all the relevant input data of the current calculation in a new one in the equivalent
secondary stiffeners node

copy of all the relevant input data of the current calculation in a new one in the equivalent
primary stiffeners node

copy of all the relevant input data of the current calculation in a new one in the equivalent
plating stiffeners node

copy of all the relevant input data of the current calculation in a new one in the bulwark
stays node

copy of all relevant input data of the current bottom calculation in a new one in the selected
deck node

copy of all relevant input data of the current deck calculation in a new one in the bottom
node

NB: After his creation, the new calculation is not linked to the calculation source. A modification in
the first one does not affect the other one.

 Import of all calculation from another equivalent node

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In decks, bulkheads and superstructures nodes, a command Import calculations, available in the menu
bar, allows to import all the calculations of another child node located under the same parent node
(for example: import of all calculations from the node Plating/Decks /deck 1 in the node
Plating/Decks/deck 2).

b) Sorting tool
In the nodes where z is a relevant sorting data, a tool is also available to sort calculation of a
longitudinal area in ascending order of z.

c) Calculation based on user pressures values

A calculation type “Scantling from user pressure” allows to perform calculations directly from
pressures values.

Warning: Those types of calculation are non-regulatory.

Only loading cases for which

non-zero values have been
entered are computed and
displayed in the result table.

d) Dry unit loads (NR600)

In the plating calculation nodes of decks, a calculation type “dry unit loads” allows to define loads on
deck according to the NR600 Rules. The corresponding summary cells appears in grey in the upper
window.

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 11.2. Summary interactive tables in parent nodes

Summary tables are available when clicking on parent nodes, showing an overview of all the defined
calculation under the node. The color code green/red allows to quick identify which of them fulfill or
not the rule’s criteria. Each name of calculation displayed in the table is interactive: The user can access
directly to the corresponding node by clicking on it.

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 12. Superstructures local scantlings
12.1. Preliminary Note (NR600)

The superstructure local scantlings nodes are dedicated to assess the walls of superstructures not
contributing to the global strength. Superstructure decks and side walls of superstructures contributing
to the global strength are to be checked using the hull local scantlings nodes, checking the relevant
boxes:

- In deck calculation nodes

- In side shell calculation nodes

12.2. Overall principle

Superstructure local scantlings calculation nodes work on the same principle than the Hull local
scantlings node. As for Decks and bulkheads nodes, new tiers of superstructures are to be created in
the top menu bar or by right-clicking on the parent node in the tree. Four linked nodes are then
automatically created under the four parent nodes Plating, Secondary Stiffeners, Primary stiffeners
and Windows and sidescuttles.

In the top part of the main window are to be defined some general data regarding the superstructure.
Those data are common for the four linked nodes.

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Then, new calculation can be created in the 4 upper columns representing the four longitudinal parts
of the side wall of superstructure or in the two lower ones representing aft and front walls.

The 3 tabs Input data, Results and Comments work on the same principle than for Hull local scantling
calculations.

12.3. Summary interactive tables in parent nodes

As for Hull local scantlings, all superstructure calculations are sum up in parent nodes in interactive
tables.

In the node “Superstructure Local scantling”, the values for Bed and b1 may also be defined. Those
values will then be entered by default in each new calculation.

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 13. Anchorage
The anchoring node is dedicated to:

 Calculation of anchoring force

 Determination of anchor and chain characteristics.

All the input data necessary for anchoring force calculation are entered in the first tab.

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When calculation is done, a second tab is created with anchoring force results.

In the third tab, the user specifies the anchor and chain characteristics input. He can also choose to
avoid a second anchor if possible or not.

Anchor characteristics results are displayed in the fourth tab, created when computing the third one.
The user can enter the real mass of the anchor if necessary.

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Chain characteristics results are displayed in the fifth tab, created when computing the fourth one.

A comment tab is also available.

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 14. Tools / Pressures tables
Tables displaying pressures all along the hull for each load case are available in the two tabs of a
dedicated node

All the pressures tables may be exported using the command “Print customised” in the Reporting
menu.

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 15. Reporting menu (Word & Excel only)
1.1. Print customised

The Print customised command allows to select the items

which have to be printed in the report.

A checkbox is also available to specify if

comments are to be printed or not.

1.2. Print pressures

The print pressures command allows to export in Excel all pressures computed for all the calculations
defined in the database.

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