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CourseNaval, Offshore & Sports Nautical Applications open

Course in Structural Optimisation for Racing Yachts

Online 300 h course in structural optimisation for racing yachts. 6 modules with ISO 12215-5 Small craft. Design pressures, stresses and scantlings, ISO 12215-9 Small craft. Sailing craft appendages and ANSYS Mechanical. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Define the load cases for a racing yacht.

02

Calculate composite laminates using classical laminate theory.

03

Model naval structures using finite elements.

04

Apply topology and laminate optimisation techniques.

05

Design critical structural details.

06

Verify compliance with scantling standards and class rules.

07

Develop a structural optimisation project with weight reduction.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Naval structural engineer looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Finite element analyst looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Racing yacht designer looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Composites engineer looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Structural inspector looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Shipyard technical manager looking to specialise in Structural optimisation for racing yachts.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter competition shipyards.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 12215-5 Small craft. Design pressures, stresses and scantlings
  • ISO 12215-9 Small craft. Sailing craft appendages
  • ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Racing Yachts
  • IMOCA class rules
  • ASTM D3039 Tensile properties of polymer matrix composites
  • World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Global hull loads in waves
  2. 1.2Local bottom pressure loads
  3. 1.3Slamming and impact loads
  4. 1.4Keel and righting moment loads
  5. 1.5Rigging and mast compression loads
  6. 1.6Foil and rudder loads
  7. 1.7Safety factors and load cases
  8. 1.8Loads measured under sailing conditions
  9. 1.9Scantling standards for small craft
  10. 1.10Practical: load cases for a Class40
  1. 2.1Properties of high-modulus and standard carbon
  2. 2.2Epoxy matrices and service temperature
  3. 2.3Cores and their shear behaviour
  4. 2.4Classical laminate theory
  5. 2.5Tsai-Wu and Hashin failure criteria
  6. 2.6Buckling of sandwich panels
  7. 2.7Stiffness versus strength
  8. 2.8Design data from testing
  9. 2.9Variability of the manufacturing process
  10. 2.10Laboratory: calculating a laminate using classical laminate theory
  1. 3.1Global hull and deck models
  2. 3.2Shell elements and solid elements
  3. 3.3Modelling composite laminates
  4. 3.4Boundary conditions and inertial equilibrium
  5. 3.5Meshing and convergence
  6. 3.6Linear and non-linear analysis
  7. 3.7Buckling analysis
  8. 3.8Fatigue analysis in composites
  9. 3.9Model validation
  10. 3.10Workshop: FE model of a monohull's bottom
  1. 4.1Topology optimisation of structures
  2. 4.2Thickness and stacking sequence optimisation
  3. 4.3Fibre orientation optimisation
  4. 4.4Manufacturing constraints
  5. 4.5Weight minimisation with a target stiffness
  6. 4.6Multi-objective optimisation of weight and stiffness
  7. 4.7Gradient methods and genetic algorithms
  8. 4.8Sensitivity analysis
  9. 4.9Interpreting optimised results
  10. 4.10Practical: optimising a keel bulkhead
  1. 5.1Canting keel structure
  2. 5.2Chainplates and load transfer
  3. 5.3Bulkhead and hull connections
  4. 5.4Inserts and fittings
  5. 5.5Foil housing structure
  6. 5.6Bonded joints and their verification
  7. 5.7Structural inspection and monitoring
  8. 5.8Structural requirements of class rules
  9. 5.9Lessons from racing failures
  10. 5.10Practical case: redesigning a chainplate
  1. 6.1Yacht and element under study
  2. 6.2Load cases
  3. 6.3Material selection
  4. 6.4Finite element model
  5. 6.5Laminate optimisation
  6. 6.6Strength and buckling verification
  7. 6.7Weight and cost estimation
  8. 6.8Manufacturing and inspection plan
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Composite PrepPost, Altair OptiStruct, Rhinoceros 3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies are based on real finite element analysis procedures for the hull of a racing sailing yacht, optimisation of a carbon laminate, and buckling verification of sandwich panels. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentorship:teaching staff with a track record in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Yacht and element under study

Define the load cases for a racing yacht.

Load cases

Calculate composite laminates using classical laminate theory.

Material selection

Model naval structures using finite elements.

Finite element model

Apply topology and laminate optimisation techniques.

Laminate optimisation

Design critical structural details.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Naval structural engineerFinite element analystRacing yacht designerComposites engineerStructural inspectorShipyard technical manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards reading.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Composite PrepPost, Altair OptiStruct, Rhinoceros 3D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.

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