Orca3D Version 3.1.7 Update: New Features, Enhanced Reporting, and Bug Fixes

Author: Larry Leibman, Naval Architect

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Orca3D Version 3.1.7, a free update for all Version 3 license holders. If you're still using a Version 1 or Version 2 license, you can easily upgrade to Version 3 by clicking here. This update brings a host of powerful new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes to streamline your marine design process even further.

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What's New in Orca3D Version 3.1.7?

This update focuses on several key areas designed to enhance user experience and deliver more accurate, streamlined results for your projects. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new:

1) Conditional Flooding for Compartments and Tanks

  • A major new feature in the Advanced Stability module of Version 3.1.7 is Conditional Flooding, which allows users to define compartment flooding based on the location of openings relative to the waterplane. This means you can now model flooding behavior of compartments and tanks more realistically, taking into account when they become flooded based on external conditions.
  • Enabled on a Per-Load Case Basis: The user sets conditional flooding status on a compartment or tank within a specific load case.
    Openings Defined Using Points of Interest and Curves of Interest: Compartment openings can be defined by a point location using a Point of Interest or as a curve using a Curve of Interest.
  • New Reporting Feature: The status of a compartment that is set to conditionally flood (intact or damaged) is now easily reflected in your reports both for the equilibrium condition and as a function of heel angle in the rollover calculation.
Conditional Flooding for Compartments and Tanks

2) Curves of Form Analysis

Although with previous versions of Orca3D, you could generate curves of form using Basic Hydrostatics functionality, we’ve introduced a new Curves of Form analysis type, providing simpler input choices along with greater control of the report output. This new feature simplifies the creation of hydrostatics tables while excluding unnecessary detailed output.

Curves of Form Analysis

3) Enhanced Reporting Options

In Version 3.1.7, you now have more control over how your stability and hydrostatics data are presented. New reporting enhancements allow you to:

  • Set different stability report options for different types of stability analyses.
  • Customize report headers for more relevant data.
  • Exclude condition details for specific stability analyses.
  • Sort hydrostatics outputs by specific variables such as sinkage and draft.

4) Improved User Interface & Functionality

We’ve made several UI improvements to make Orca3D even easier to use, including:

  • Vessel Axes Display: Quickly check if the Orca3D vessel directions match the current model in the Rhino viewport.
  • Improved Data Formatting: Enhanced table and chart formatting for better clarity in reports, especially for large data sets.
  • Expanded Command Options: New options to integrate with NavCad and export/import data more efficiently.
Improved User Interface & Functionality

5) Bug Fixes & Performance Improvements

Alongside new features, this update includes several critical bug fixes and performance improvements:

  • Stability fixes for righting arm calculations and reporting issues.
  • Improved load case handling and compatibility with different Rhino units.
  • Bug fixes for various user interface glitches and scriptable commands.
  • See a full list of updates in version 3.1.7 in the Orca3D Release Notes.

Why You Should Upgrade to Version 3.1.7

Version 3.1.7 is packed with performance upgrades and new capabilities that will improve your design workflow, enhance your analysis capabilities, and provide you with more accurate, actionable data. Whether you’re working on a large-scale commercial project or a detailed research model, this update ensures Orca3D remains the leading tool for marine design.

Not on Version 3 yet? Upgrade Now to unlock all the advanced features and improvements we’ve added in recent releases. If you're already on Version 3, this update is available for free!

How to Update

To get started with the new version, follow these simple steps:

  1. Download the installation file from our Version 3.1.7 page.
  2. Double-click the downloaded file to run the installation.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Ready to take advantage of all the new features in Orca3D Version 3.1.7?

Download the update now and start exploring the latest enhancements to your marine design workflow.

Don’t Have Orca3D Yet? Get Started for Free

Evaluate the full capabilities of Orca3D for yourself. Download your free 15-day trial and see how it can elevate your marine design workflow today.

Have questions or need assistance?

Don’t hesitate to contact our support team or explore our detailed release notes for more information.

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