Orca3D Analysis
Analyze Vessel Performance Earlier
The Orca3D Analysis Module extends the Rhino-based design workflow with tools for weight and cost management, speed and power prediction, and access to advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It helps naval architects and marine designers evaluate the engineering, performance, and commercial implications of a design without leaving the Orca3D environment.
Designers can assign weight and cost properties directly to model geometry, enabling real-time tracking of weight, center of gravity, and estimated construction costs as the design evolves. The module also includes industry-standard parametric prediction methods for estimating vessel speed and resistance, providing valuable performance insights during the early stages of design.
The Analysis Module also serves as the gateway to Orca3D Marine CFD, allowing users to transition seamlessly from conceptual design studies to high-fidelity hydrodynamic simulation when more detailed analysis is required. By combining weight management, cost awareness, performance prediction, and CFD integration, the Orca3D Analysis Module helps designers make better decisions earlier in the development process.
Key Features
Weight & Cost Management
Weight, center of gravity, and cost are fundamental to successful marine design. Stability, speed, payload, seakeeping, manufacturability, and commercial viability all depend on managing these parameters carefully.
Orca3D’s Weight/Cost tools add intelligence directly to the Rhino model by assigning weight and cost values to model objects and automatically updating totals as the design evolves.
To simplify setup, Orca3D also supports a stock material library, making it easier to assign standard material, labor, and fabrication values to model elements.
Parametric Speed & Power Prediction
Orca3D’s Parametric Speed/Power tools provide fast, practical performance estimates using established prediction methods. These tools are especially useful during concept development, when designers need quick feedback before committing to more detailed simulation.
Most required input parameters are computed automatically from the model, though users can also input or override values as needed.
Results are presented in professionally formatted reports and can be exported to Excel or PDF.
Orca3D includes Grasshopper components so that you can automate the speed/power prediction methods, further streamlining your workflow.
Interface to Orca3D Marine CFD
The Analysis Module also includes the interface to Orca3D Marine CFD, providing the bridge between Rhino/Orca3D geometry and higher-fidelity simulation in SimericsMP.
This makes the Analysis Module the entry point for users who want to go beyond parametric prediction and study vessel behavior in more detail through CFD. For projects involving non-standard hull forms, appendages, dynamic behavior, or conditions outside the practical range of empirical methods, the Marine CFD interface opens the door to deeper hydrodynamic analysis.
Benefits
The Orca3D Analysis Module helps designers make better engineering and business decisions earlier by combining weight and cost management, parametric speed and power prediction, and access to Marine CFD in one connected workflow. By tying these tools directly to the Rhino model, it becomes easier to evaluate performance, weight, cost, and feasibility as the design evolves.
FAQs
What does Orca3D Analysis do?
Orca3D Analysis covers weight/CG and cost tracking, speed/power prediction, and pre- and post-processing for Orca3D Marine CFD.
Is this module intended for early-stage design work or detailed final analysis?
The parametric speed/power estimates are well suited for conceptual design, making this module especially useful for early evaluation and comparison work before moving into higher-fidelity CFD model testing.
What speed/power methods are included?
The Analysis module includes Savitsky, Holtrop-Mennen, Fung CRTS, and Van Oortmerssen prediction methods, plus export to NavCad. These methods cover different vessel types and operating regimes.
Are there limitations to the speed/power prediction tools?
Yes. The empirical methods provided are only reliable when the vessel’s hull form characteristics and speed range fall within the applicability limits of the chosen prediction method. For cases outside of those bounds, Marine CFD is the better fit.
Can I use Orca3D Analysis for real-time feedback while I work?
Yes. The weight/CG/cost are tied to the model, so weight/CG/cost reports are always up to date. By saving a hydrostatic load case, new speed/power analyses can be run with just a few button clicks, which can help users evaluate changes more interactively during design development.
Do I need both Analysis and Marine CFD?
If your design falls within the applicable range of the empirical prediction methods, the Analysis module may be sufficient, especially for early-stage design. Add the Marine CFD module when you need higher-fidelity resistance, powering, wake, or flow-detail studies that are less constrained by empirical method applicability.
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Orca3D Analysis Module
Stand-Alone vs. Network License
A stand-alone license is installed on one computer for use by a single person, while a network license can be installed on multiple computers within the same organization but allows only one user to access the software at a time.
About Student / Educational Licenses
Educational licenses are full versions for students and faculty in naval architecture or related fields (proof required). See full policy here.
Refund Policy
We want you to purchase with confidence. Orca3D offers a 30-day return policy for eligible purchases. If you need to request a refund, return, cancellation, or EU withdrawal, simply contact our team and we'll guide you through the process.
Not Sure? Request a Quote
Orca3D software is tailored to meet the specific needs of naval architects, marine engineers, and designers. Because every project is unique — whether you need a perpetual license, an annual subscription, network licensing, educational pricing, or multi-module bundles — we provide personalized quotes to ensure you get the right solution at the best value.
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