Technical evolution in the ship structural analysis over the last 50years

My professional life as a Naval Architect started in October 1963 in Chantiers de l'Atlantique' (CDA), Saint-Nazaire, after two years spent in the French Navy, and I retired from Bureau Veritas (BV), Paris, in June 1998. Then, during several years I contributed to Professor Hughes' book Ship Structural Analysis and Design'. When I reflect on the beginning and the end of my professional life, I can see the huge technical evolution in the ship design and structural analysis which has occurred over the last 50years! In 1963 all structural calculations were carried out manually and based on simplified assumptions, while in 1998 we were able to analyse very large structures thanks to the development of sophisticated computer programmes, among which MAESTRO, developed by Professor Hughes, is a significant example. The purpose of this short paper is to give, from my own experience, some examples which emphasise that progress.