Wooden Shipbuilding explores the fascinating history and mechanical engineering behind constructing wooden ships, revealing how master shipwrights transformed timber into formidable naval vessels. The book delves into the practical methods of historical ship construction, from timber selection to hull assembly, while also uncovering the underlying engineering principles that ensured seaworthiness. Readers will learn about the ingenious techniques used to create structurally sound vessels, such as how the arrangement of planks contributed to the ship's overall strength, a testament to the shipwrights' deep understanding of material properties.
The book progresses systematically, starting with the essential materials and tools before moving through the stages of ship construction, including framing, planking, and caulking. Archival documents, ship plans, and modern engineering analyses converge to highlight how shipwrights effectively functioned as engineers, optimizing designs for stability and performance long before formal engineering disciplines. This unique approach provides a quantitative assessment of wooden ships' structural performance, making it an invaluable resource for maritime historians, naval architects, and anyone interested in maritime history and engineering.
