Exploring the H-rep Ship Hull Modelling Concept

A novel ship hull modelling method, called hybrid representation (H-rep) was proposed some years ago. The aim of the H-rep method is to make ship hull design more intuitive, and therefore faster, more accurate and more predictable. The H-rep method has been implemented in a commercial software package, so in the course of time a lot of practical experience has been gained, while also new supporting functions have been designed and implemented. This paper serves two purposes. The first one is to present and discuss the additional functions and possibilities. The second purpose is to discuss practical projects performed with the current implementation of the H-rep method. After a brief overview on hull shape modelling methods in general, a short introduction of H-rep is given, and its merits and drawbacks are discussed. Special attention is paid to shaping curved surfaces by manipulating user-defined curves, and to Boolean operations. Subsequently general aspects of importing hull shapes and surface re- engineering are discussed, as well as the role H-rep can play in these fields. One particular application of re-engineering, photogrammetric reconstruction of a ship hull, is highlighted. The projects which are presented as practical examples are a simple yacht hull, a commercial ship hull and a complex superstructure of a mega yacht. In order to demonstrate the way of operation with a H-rep implementation, not only the final results of these projects are shown, but also crucial modelling steps. Finally conclusions are drawn, and some possible future developments are proposed.