Design of a hoistable helicopter platform for 60m yacht Zsolt Papp Master Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the double degree: “Advanced Master in Naval Architecture” conferred by University of Liege "Master of Sciences in Applied Mechanics, specialization in Hydrodynamics, Energetics and Propulsion” conferred by Ecole Centrale de Nantes developed at University of Genoa in the framework of the “EMSHIP” Erasmus Mundus Master Course in “Integrated Advanced Ship Design” Ref. 159652-1-2009-1-BE-ERA MUNDUS-EMMC Supervisor: Prof. Dario Boote, University of Genoa Reviewer: Prof. Philippe Rigo, University of Liege Genoa, February 2012 2 Zsolt PAPP TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP ................................................................................... 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................... 7 ABSTRACT (English)........................................................................................................... 8 PRESENTAZIONE (Italiano) ................................................................................................ 9 ABSTRAKTE (Deutsch) ......................................................................................................10 1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................11 1.1. Overview ..................................................................................................................11 1.2. State of the art ...........................................................................................................13 1.3. Work purpose ............................................................................................................14 1.4. Background ...............................................................................................................15 1.5. Thesis structure .........................................................................................................16 2. LITERATURE AND PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS..............................................18 2.1. Review of the applicable rules (MCA-LY2, CAA and LR) ........................................18 2.1.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................18 2.1.2. MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Authority) .....................................................18 2.1.3. CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) .......................................................................20 2.1.4. Lloyd’s Register ...............................................................................................21 2.2. Choice of the yacht and helicopter .............................................................................22 2.2.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................22 2.2.2. Choice of the Yacht ..........................................................................................23 2.2.2.1. Mega yachts and Charters.................................................................23 2.2.2.2. BENETTI FB255, 60 m, Steel and Aluminum ..................................24 2.2.3. Landing area ....................................................................................................25 2.2.3.1. General Helicopter Operations .........................................................25 2.2.3.2. Determination of the landing area location .......................................25 2.2.3.3. Landing area size .............................................................................27 2.2.4. Choice of the Helicopter...................................................................................28 2.2.4.1. Helicopters .......................................................................................28 2.2.4.2. Eurocopter........................................................................................29 2.2.4.3. Eurocopter Colibri EC120 B.............................................................30 2.3. Review of the initial deck ..........................................................................................32 2.3.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................32 Master Thesis developed at University of Genoa Design of a hoistable helicopter platform for 60m yacht 3 2.3.2. Generalities ......................................................................................................32 2.3.3. Description of the initial deck...........................................................................33 2.3.4. Theoretical structural assessment of the initial helideck ....................................35 2.3.5. Finite element method ......................................................................................38 2.4. Determination of the geometrical constraints .............................................................48 2.4.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................48 2.4.2. Helicopter Landing Area Design Considerations ..............................................49 2.4.2.1. Size of Landing Area (SLA) .............................................................49 2.4.2.2. Obstacle Protected Surfaces (OPS) ...................................................50 2.4.2.3. Limited Obstacle Sector (LOS) ........................................................51 2.4.2.4. Obstacle Free Areas (OFA) ..............................................................54 2.4.3. Other Design Considerations ............................................................................56 2.4.3.1. Drainage system ...............................................................................56 2.4.3.2. Access Points ...................................................................................56 3. PRELIMINARY MODELING OF THE LANDING AREA ............................................58 3.1. Aesthetic impact on the yacht ....................................................................................58 3.1.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................58 3.1.2. Sundeck aesthetics ...........................................................................................59 3.3.2.1. Sundeck general arrangement ...........................................................59 3.3.2.2. Sundeck structural scantling .............................................................59 3.1.3. Helideck aesthetics ...........................................................................................63 3.2. Modeling of the landing area .....................................................................................65 4.2.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................65 4.2.2. Preliminary structural assessment .....................................................................65 4.2.3. Preliminary design ...........................................................................................70 4.2.4. Structural weight analysis.................................................................................71 3.3. Preliminary structural assessment ..............................................................................72 3.3.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................72 3.3.2. Theoretical structural assessment .....................................................................75 3.3.3. Finite element method ......................................................................................86 3.4. Preliminary preview ..................................................................................................92 4. FINAL MODELING OF THE LANDING AREA ...........................................................93 4.1. Design of the landing area .........................................................................................93 4.1.1. Structural modeling of the landing area ............................................................93 “EMSHIP” Erasmus Mundus Master Course, period of study September 2010 – February 2012 4 Zsolt PAPP 4.1.2. Design of the mechanism .................................................................................96 4.1.2.1. Weight analysis ................................................................................96 4.1.2.2. Choose of the pistons .......................................................................97 4.1.2.3. Foldable Mechanism ........................................................................99 4.2. Basic outfitting ........................................................................................................ 102 4.2.1. Landing area surface ...................................................................................... 102 4.2.2. Visual Aids .................................................................................................... 103 4.2.2.1. Helicopter Landing Area Markings ................................................ 103 4.2.2.2. Lighting ......................................................................................... 103 4.3. Final structural assessment ...................................................................................... 104 5. CONCLUSIONS ..........................................................................................................