Infrared Implications in Double Hull Surface Ship Design

A conceptual design for a double hull, no-frame structure of a typical Navy ship is studied to estimate the infrared radiation that originates from such a hull. In order to compare various double hull configurations, a candidate hull section is modeled. In particular, the geometry spacing between hulls, plate thicknesses, etc. and thermal parameters insulating techniques, solar loading and convective cooling, thermal capacitance, etc. are evaluated. Results from this analysis are used as input to the Ship Infrared Electro- Optical Scenario SIREOS computer program to provide thermal predictions for the various designs considered. It is found that a noninsulated double hull ship is approximately equivalent to a single hull with 1 -in. inside insulation. A wet double hull, whether full of water or fuel or subjected to a continuous flow of fluid over the interior surface of the outside skin, appears to provide significant IR benefits through the elimination of localized hot spots. Practical recommendations are presented that may be helpful during the design phase of a ship that features a double hull variant. Infrared engineering, Double hull ship design, Scale model testing, Thermal physics, Dimensionless numbers.