Program Overview

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SD2722 Marine Structures

The course SD2722 Marine Structures is a 7.5 credit course offered by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Information per Course Offering

The course is offered in the autumn semester, with the following details:

• Start date: 24 August 2026
• End date: 11 January 2027
• Periods: Autumn 2026: P2 (3 hp), P1 (4.5 hp)
• Pace of study: 25%
• Application code: 11301
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of places: Not limited
• Target group: All master's programmes, as long as it can be included in the programme

Part of Programme

The course is part of the following programmes:

• Master's Programme, Naval Architecture, year 1, MRSA, Mandatory
• Master's Programme, Naval Architecture, year 1, MRSD, Mandatory
• Master's Programme, Naval Architecture, year 1, MRSB, Mandatory
• Master's Programme, Machine Design, year 1

Contact

• Examiner: Zuheir Barsoum
• Course coordinator: Zuheir Barsoum
• Teachers: Zuheir Barsoum

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is available as a PDF document.

Content and Learning Outcomes

Course Contents

The course covers the principal layout of hull structures, the function of different structure elements, hull loads, and classification rules. It also includes the application of beam theory, plate theory, and finite element methods in the analysis of ship structures. A project is included where each student designs the structure for a certain ship.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide participants with the opportunity to apply and deepen their knowledge from earlier courses in solid mechanics and learn how to handle the challenges in the design of ship hull structures and other large complex structures. The objective is that students, after finishing the course, shall be able to:

• Describe the different loads ship hull structures are exposed to and how these are considered in hull structural design
• Describe the principal arrangement of hull structures, explain why they are arranged as they are, describe the functions of the different structural members, and explain the interaction between different members
• Explain the terms strength, stiffness, stability, nominal stress, stress concentration, shear lag, and efficient flange width for stiffened shell and beam structures, and be able to address these aspects in structural design
• Use knowledge and skills in beam and plate theory from earlier courses in the design of stiffened shell and beam structures
• Explain the terms fatigue and buckling in a structural mechanics context and briefly describe how these aspects are considered in hull structural design
• Describe the purpose and principles of classification of ships, and derive the related classification requirements based on beam and plate theory
• Explain what is meant by direct calculations, judge for which parts of a ship structure that the code-based analysis and design need to be complemented with direct calculations, and perform direct calculations based on finite element analysis for such parts
• Design the midship section of a ship hull structure based on classification codes and complementary analysis
• Estimate a ship hull structure weight based on the ship geometry and the midship section hull structure
• Orally and in writing present, discuss, and evaluate hull structural design-related work, based on theory and established norms and principles, by using correct terminology
• Add value as an active design team member in the early phases of hull structural design

Literature and Preparations

Specific Prerequisites

• BSc in Vehicle Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• At least 12 ECTS in solid mechanics and structures
• English B / English 6

Literature

Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and Completion

Grading Scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

• ųVN1 - Assignments, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on the recommendation from KTH's coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disabilities.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Other Requirements for Final Grade

ųVN1 - 7.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examiner

Zuheir Barsoum

Ethical Approach

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further Information

Course Room in Canvas

Registered students can find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

SCI/Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering

Main Field of Study

Mechanical Engineering

Education Cycle

Second cycle