Course in Modal Analysis of Naval Hulls
Online 300-hour course in modal analysis of naval hulls. 6 modules with ISO 7626-1 Vibration and shock — Experimental determination of mechanical mobility, ISO 20283-2 Measurement of structural vibration on ships and Simcenter Testlab. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Modal Analysis of Naval Hulls — studying from South Africa
South Africa's coastline and ports make maritime engineering important, with the Port of Durban, the Port of Cape Town and the Port of Ngqura serving major trade flows. The South African Navy and Armscor support naval procurement, and shipbuilding and repair businesses operate along the coast. Offshore energy and marine services create additional demand, and the sports nautical sector serves recreational boating. The South African Maritime Safety Authority regulates shipping and marine safety.
Fees for South Africa: R 14 900 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any South African body. Marine and offshore work may involve bodies such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and ECSA for engineering registration. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them directly.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in naval and offshore industries?
Shipyards, offshore energy firms and marine design consultancies look mainly for certified competence, relevant experience and regulatory knowledge. A private qualification may complement these but will not replace formal certification. Its usefulness depends on each employer's assessment, so ask prospective employers how they would weigh it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You receive an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Confirm time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM before committing.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the concepts of natural frequencies and mode shapes.
Carry out numerical modal analyses of the hull using finite elements.
Plan and carry out experimental modal tests.
Apply operational modal analysis techniques on ships.
Correlate models and measurements using the MAC criterion.
Update numerical models with experimental data.
Prevent resonances through design decisions.
Who it's for
- Structural dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Modal analysis specialist who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Naval vibration engineer who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Finite element analyst who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Dynamic testing technician who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Researcher in structural monitoring who wants to specialise in modal analysis of naval hulls.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter shipyards.
What you'll work with
- ISO 7626-1 Vibration and shock — Experimental determination of mechanical mobility
- ISO 20283-2 Measurement of structural vibration on ships
- DNV-CG-0127 Hull vibration
- ISO 20283-5 Habitability-related vibration on ships
- ISO 18431-1 Signal processing — General introduction
- ISO 2041 Mechanical vibration, shock and condition monitoring — Vocabulary
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Natural frequencies and mode shapes1.2Orthogonality and modal coordinates1.3Proportional and non-proportional damping1.4Frequency response functions (FRF)1.5Ship hull-girder modes versus local modes1.6Effect of added water mass1.7Influence of loading and draught1.8Relationship between stiffness, mass and frequency1.9Modal superposition of responses1.10Practical case: modes of a free-free beam
2.1Timoshenko beam models2.23D finite element models of the hull2.3Extraction methods: Lanczos and subspace2.4Added mass by Lewis and BEM methods2.5Torsional modes in open-deck ships2.6Local modes of panels, decks and masts2.7Sensitivity to mass distribution2.8Model reduction and substructuring2.9Comparison of results between models2.10Practice: modal analysis of a hull model
3.1Excitation with instrumented hammer3.2Electrodynamic exciters and shakers3.3Accelerometers and sensor layout3.4Data acquisition and windows3.5FRF estimation: H1 and H23.6Coherence and measurement quality3.7Curve fitting and PolyMAX methods3.8Identification of modal damping3.9Impact tests on lightweight structures3.10Laboratory: hammer modal test on a panel
4.1Fundamentals of OMA with ambient excitation4.2FDD and EFDD methods in the frequency domain4.3Stochastic subspace identification (SSI)4.4Application to ships under way4.5Separation of machinery harmonics4.6Long-term recordings and statistics4.7Tracking modal changes4.8Common identification errors4.9Advantages over classical experimental analysis4.10Practical case: OMA on an in-service superstructure
5.1MAC criterion for mode comparison5.2Pairing of numerical and measured modes5.3Model updating by sensitivity5.4Adjustment of joint and support stiffness5.5Uncertainty in material properties5.6Validated models for response prediction5.7Use in structural modifications5.8Structural digital twin models5.9Documentation of modal results5.10Workshop: updating a model with measured data
6.1Definition of the structure and objectives6.2Finite element model and added mass6.3Calculation of frequencies and modes6.4Planning the experimental campaign6.5Data processing and modal extraction6.6MAC correlation between calculation and measurement6.7Updating the numerical model6.8Design recommendations against resonances6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Simcenter Testlab, ARTeMIS Modal, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Studies are based on real modal hammer testing procedures, operational modal analysis in navigation and MAC correlation between model and measurement. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the concepts of natural frequencies and mode shapes.
Carry out numerical modal analyses of the hull using finite elements.
Plan and carry out experimental modal tests.
Apply operational modal analysis techniques on ships.
Correlate models and measurements using the MAC criterion.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Simcenter Testlab, ARTeMIS Modal, ANSYS Mechanical, MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the 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 credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Ergonomics in Cruise Ship Interiors
Online course of 300 hours in ergonomics for cruise ship interiors. 6 modules covering onboard ergonomics and anthropometry, passenger cabins, public spaces and circulation, crew and…
Course in Interior Safety on Cruise Ships
Online course of 300 hours in safety for cruise ship interiors. 6 modules covering risks in passenger spaces, structural fire protection, detection, extinguishing and evacuation, safe…
TOS Systems Course for Automated Ports
Online 300-hour course in TOS systems for automated ports. 6 modules covering UN/EDIFACT (ISO 9735), SMDG BAPLIE 3.1 and Navis N4. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships