Virtual prototyping

Research in this field started a few years ago with the setup of the CETENA's ViSLab – Virtual Ship Laboratory – a simulation environment where different simulation programs are integrated through HLA – High Level Architecture. Originally setup with a limited number of simulation programs linked together, ViSLab has progressively incorporated new simulators and new features, and is today used for concept/preliminary design studies of naval vessels, including Human Factors studies.

Current research activities are focused on the simulation of:

• replenishment at sea
• helicopter take off and landing
• wet dock operations of landing craft units

and are carried out in the frame of naval research programs.

ViSLab incorporates CETENA's manoeuvring simulator SAND, CETENA's third generation manoeuvring simulator, regularly used for consultancy and training.