Finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to simulate the thermo-resistance of a marine fire-proof door in the fire-resistance test defined by the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (2010 FTP Code) and required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for marine applications. The appropriate type of simulation adopted (i.e., steady or unsteady) is discriminated on the basis of a comparison between the numerical results and the experimental data. This appropriate model is used to evaluate the critical parameters affecting fire-proof door performance. A remarkable role of the thermal bridge at the door edges in fire resistance is assessed, along with the parameters that allow its reduction. These findings provide insight into how to design a thinner and lighter fire door.

Scrubber systems abate the sulphur oxide emissions of engines when cheap fuel oils that are high in sulphur content are employed as combustibles. However, the ships with these voluminous devices installed on board is space demanding. This work analyses the feasibility of incorporating the acoustic abatement of the exhaust gas noise functionality into the scrubber design to provide a combined scrubber–silencer system. For this purpose, a finite element analysis is performed on a simple expansion chamber, which is assessed using both analytical and experimental data. The transmission loss is the acoustic parameter chosen in this work. The numerical model depicts a good correlation with the transmission loss measured on a model scale scrubber. Finally, scrubber geometry modifications alter the transmission loss, changing and/or enhancing its featuring. These abilities indicate the feasibility to confer to scrubber silencing effects.

The design of innovative metamaterials with robust and reliable performances is attracting increasing interest in shipbuilding, due to the potential and versatility of these materials. In particular, soundproofing is becoming an even more important characteristic, to ensure the comfort levels required by the standards on board ships. Thus, shipyards are constantly looking for innovative solutions to improve the insulation between environments, while respecting the safety regulations with which the materials on board must comply. In this study, an innovative solution called the Metasolution is designed and characterized, considering both the transmission loss (TL) and the fire resistance. The Metasolution is proven to be a valid substitute for the traditional honeycomb panels used on board for soundproofing. The TL of the innovative solution is increased, and the thickness is decreased, while maintaining the cost and the weight in line with the traditional solution. Moreover, the regulations regarding fire safety on board are satisfied.

In marine engineering, the study of underwater explosion effects on naval and offshore structures has gained significant attention due to its critical impact on structural integrity and safety. In practical applications, a crucial aspect is determining the precise point at which an underwater explosive charge has detonated. This information is vital for assessing damage, implementing defensive and security strategies, and ensuring the structural integrity of marine structures. This paper presents a novel approach that combines coupled numerical simulations performed using the MSC Dytran suite with machine learning techniques to reconstruct the trigger point of underwater explosions based on onboard sensor data and leverage seabed wave reflection information. A Multi-Layer Neural Network (MLNN) was devised to identify the position of the denotation point of the charge using a classification task based on a user-defined two-dimensional grid of potential triggering locations. The MLNN underwent training, validation, and testing phases using simulation data from different underwater blast-loading scenarios for metallic target plates. Different positions of the charge, seabed typologies, and distances between the structure and the seabed are considered. The ability to accurately identify a detonation point using measurable data from onboard systems enhances the knowledge of ship and offshore structures’ response strategies and the overall safety of naval operations.