Case Study: Royal Institution of Naval Architects achieves accurate ship noise prediction with MSC Software MD Nastran

Royal Institution of Naval Architects - Customer Case Study

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) needed a way to predict and control vibration and noise levels on a deep sea tug boat during design, especially because cabins and crew areas were located close to engines and exhausts. Working with MSC Software, RINA aimed to determine whether the vessel could meet acoustic comfort requirements early enough to avoid costly redesigns and ensure compliance with noise thresholds.

MSC Software provided MD Nastran to run integrated vibroacoustic simulation using both structural and acoustic finite element models. The solution helped RINA analyze noise transfer paths, identify resonances, and compare simulation results with measurements, which showed deck noise peaks up to 69 dB versus SEA predictions below 65 dB. With this more detailed analysis, RINA gained actionable insight to reduce noise on the deck and better understand whether issues came from structural walls, glass panels, or cavity effects between decks.

Royal Institution of Naval Architects

Angelo Tonelli

Research Engineer