Catalogue description Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and successors: National Physical Laboratory, Ship Division: Registered Files (SH Series)

The files are arranged in numerical order by former reference.

The Ship Division was responsible for carrying out a programme of experiments, research and testing using models, tanks, water tunnels and circulating water channels in order to further developments in ship hydrodynamics. During the First World War considerable contributions were made to all aspects of naval warfare. The programmes of research and testing came under the control of a special Advisory Committee with members elected by prominent shipping organisations and including some of the Laboratory's Executive Committee.

Up to the Second World War the work of the Division involved extensive experimetal studies in a number of areas such as seaworthiness of ships, the manoevuring of ships and optimising the design of propellors.

By the mid 1960s the Division's principal work was to stimulate hydrodynamic problems which affect the performance of ships.

In 1976 the national Maritime Institiute took over responsibility for research into performance, handling and safety of ships.