New Stability Tools, Resistance Prediction, and Workflow Improvements for Naval Architects 

We’re excited to announce the release of Orca3D Version 3.1.10, the latest update to the Orca3D platform for Rhino. 

This release introduces new analysis tools, improved stability workflows, enhanced reporting capabilities, and dozens of reliability improvements designed to help naval architects and marine engineers move faster from concept through analysis. 

As always, all Orca3D Version 3 users can download this update for free. 

For users still running Orca3D Version 1 or Version 2, this release is a great opportunity to explore what’s new in Version 3 with a FREE 15-day trial.

Existing customers upgrading to Version 3 pay JUST 50% of the price of a new license. 

New Analysis Capabilities 

Fung Resistance Prediction for Transom Stern Hulls 

Version 3.1.10 introduces a new command: OrcaFungCrtsAnalysis 

This feature allows designers to estimate vessel resistance using the Fung parametric regression method developed for transom-stern hull forms and documented in the SNAME paper: 

"Fung, S.C., "Resistance and Powering Predictions for Transom Stern Hull Forms During Early Design Stages of Ship Design", SNAME Transactions, Vol. 99, 1991".  

This method is particularly valuable during early-stage design, when naval architects need quick performance estimates before detailed CFD analysis. 

Benefits for designers 

• Provides an additional parametric resistance prediction method for designs whose hull form parameters may be outside of the range of other parametric methods like Holtrop-Mennen and van Oortmerssen. 
• Facilitates rapid resistance estimation during concept development like the other Orca3D parametric methods 
• Adds a specific prediction method focused on transom stern displacement hull forms operating over a wide speed range. 

Estimating resistance early in the design process using the new Fung resistance prediction method. 

Maximum Allowable VCG Stability Analysis 

A powerful new stability analysis command has been added: OrcaMaxVcg 

This tool computes the maximum allowable vertical center of gravity (VCG) that still satisfies a user-defined stability criterion. 

A new command has been added to the Advanced Stability module allowing designers to evaluate stability limits across a range of conditions including: 

• displacement or draft 
• trim or LCG 
• heel or TCG 
• intact or damaged cases 

Benefits for designers 

Clear design insight into allowable loading conditions 

• Improved workflow for stability compliance analysis 
• Input to vessel stability booklet 

The new OrcaMaxVcg command allows designers to evaluate maximum allowable VCG across multiple loading conditions. 

Numerous Usability Enhancements 

Version 3.1.10 includes numerous improvements and usability enhancements such as: 

• An addition to the stability analysis graphical interface that allows users to manually animate a righting arm calculation result to visualize the behavior of the vessel and visually identify when points of interest or other features in the model become submerged. 
• More direct and robust handling of units used in defining stability criteria limits 
• Improvements to reporting functionality including additional information in hydrostatics and stability reports and better handling of renaming and deletion of reports 
• Ability to insert previewed meshes (for hydrostatics and CFD) into the Rhino document
  

Free Update for Version 3 Users 

All Orca3D Version 3 customers with an active license can download Version 3.1.10 at no cost.  We encourage all users to install the latest release to take advantage of the newest analysis tools and workflow improvements. 

Upgrade Offer for Version 1 and Version 2 Users 

If you're currently using Orca3D Version 1 or Version 2, now is the perfect time to upgrade. You can: 

• Try Orca3D Version 3 free for 15 days 

• Upgrade to Version 3 at 50% off 

Version 3 introduces significant improvements in stability analysis, CFD workflows, reporting, and user interface capabilities. 

Continuing to Improve Orca3D 

At Orca3D, we’re committed to continuously improving the tools naval architects rely on every day. 

Version 3.1.10 represents another step forward in helping designers analyze vessels faster, iterate designs more efficiently, and deliver better-performing boats and ships. 

We look forward to hearing your feedback.