Objectives  To realize the visualization and fast modeling and stability calculation of hulls and compartments, and extend the application scope to complex ship forms such as multi-body and combined hull, a three-dimensional hull modeling and stability calculation system is developed.

  Methods  Model-View-Controller mode is used to build the system framework; 3D visualization, object pick-up, feature point snap, command stream, reference expression-linkage update, undo-redo, intelligent table and other functional elements are integrated to realize the 3D interactive modeling of ships and compartments for general users, and command stream rapid modeling for skilled users; moreover, a 3D surface grid integration algorithm is used to realize static hydraulic and stability calculation without the limitation of hull shape, and multiple regulation criteria are implemented for users to select from based on the technology of the derived classes.

  Results  Real ship tests and a large number of engineering applications show that this system can realize the fast 3D modeling and accurate stability calculation of hulls and compartments, covering complex ship forms such as multiple stern, bulbous bow, head up, tail up and convex deck, as well as special ship types such as floating dock, catamaran, trimaran and assembled combined ship.

  Conclusions  This system has reference value for the design and development of ship engineering software.