ABSTRACT
The simplest structural description of a ship is that its hull is a beam designed to support the numerous weights that rest upon it (including its own weight), to resist the local forces produced by concentrated weights and local buoyant forces, and to resist the various dynamic forces that are almost certain to occur. As with any structure, stresses at all points must remain below the limits
allowable for the construction material. Likewise, deflections both local and overall must be kept within safe limits.
