What is Naval Architecture? Many folks will not have a slightest idea. It's a field of study that involves Physics, Mechanics, Engineering and Legislation.
Architecture involves design of buildings.
Naval Architecture is slightly different. Many considerations need to be made when we construct a ship that can travel through stormy seas, maintain
stability with constantly changing cargo loading patterns, determine speeds and resistances when moving through
water - in short a moving and functional building structure, floating on
oceans.
Building a ship involves many aspects of engineering - just like building a skyscraper on land. Modern ships are built of steel. However, there are also many smaller boats made of fiberglass, ferro-cement, wood and other laminations.
Building for strength is a must. However, in order for a ship to float,
shell of
ship's hull must be relatively thin. The strength is obtained from frames and stiffeners, just like
skeleton in our bodies.
Then, there are also
stability considerations. It must not be so easily toppled over. It must also be designed for various situations of loading. Special considerations need to be made for liquid cargo or fuel oil that could lead to instability due to a phenomenon called free surface effect.