Virtual Marine Arsenal

Michlet is a computer workbench that can be used for investigations into some aspects of ship hydrodynamics. Although it is not a ship design program, Michlet can be used for preliminary design work such as estimating the resistance, wave elevation patterns and bottom pressure signatures of monohulls, multihulls and submarines.

Michlet is not an easy program for newcomers to hull design. A familiarity with the first few chapters of an introductory Naval Architecture would be useful.

There are many opportunities to waste a lot of computer time and human effort with Michlet. Incorrect specification of parameters in the input file could result in completely useless output and it is imperative  that users gain familiarity with the input file and its nuances.

Michlet calculates a variety of resistance components. Wave resistance is estimated using Michell’s thin-ship theory augmented for (among others) transom stern effects and boundary layer displacement thickness effects.

For monohulls and for the individual hulls of a multihull, output includes:

• R_h : Hydrostatic resistance on transom stern
• R_f : Skin friction
• R_wtrans : Wave resistance of transverse wave system
• R_wdiv : Wave resistance of diverging wave system
• R_w = R_wtrans + R_wdiv
• R_form : Form drag
• R_t : Total resistance
• R_r : Residual resistance = R_t − R_f

Michlet uses plain text files for input and output. In addition, some plots are saved as pcx graphic files. The free version has some limitations but yet capable.