`CASCADES´-ship design technology transfer in action

The author outlines how Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. and the Department of Mechanical Engineering of University College London, supported by the Teaching Company Scheme, have co-operated over a period of four years to create a computer based system for the concept design of ships. This system, known as CASCADES (Computer Aided Ship Concept And Design Evaluation System), is based on research and development previously carried out separately at VT and UCL, and is now in operation at both establishments. It is being used for improved concept exploration by VT and for training Naval Architecture students at UCL. This is an example of technology transfer between an academic institution and an industrial partner which has been mutually beneficial to both parties