University of Galati Faculty Launches Training Series “Analysis of Naval Structures Using the Finite Element Method”

On December 5th, the Faculty of Naval Architecture launched its new series of professional upskilling training courses, developed within its own laboratories and financed by the European ERASMUS+ program under the project Learning European Alliance for Digital, Environmental and Resilient Shipbuilding (LeaderSHIP). This initiative supports the modernization of shipbuilding education across Europe by integrating digital, environmental, and resilience-oriented competencies. The courses are open to all interested candidates without a fixed upper limit on enrollment.

The first course in this newly launched series is “Analysis of Naval Structures Using the Finite Element Method (Fundamental Chapters).” Prof. PhD. Eng. Leonard Domnișoru, an internationally recognized specialist in structural engineering and ship design, leads the program. The curriculum was developed in close collaboration with key representatives from major ship design companies—Marine Engineering Galați, ICEPRONAV Engineering Galați, and Ship Design Group Galați—to ensure alignment with current industrial needs and technological standards.The course targets undergraduate students and graduates with basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, and strength of materials. It offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to structural analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM).

What Is the Finite Element Method?
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique for predicting and analyzing how structures respond to physical forces. It calculates stresses, deformations, and overall structural integrity. FEM is widely applied across engineering sectors—including automotive, aeronautics, civil engineering, and especially shipbuilding, where it plays a critical role in assessing the mechanical behavior of ship structures. For example, during ship construction, cranes lift and transport heavy blocks. Ensuring structural safety often requires temporary stiffeners, and FEM enables naval architects to determine the optimal reinforcement strategy.

Upon completion, participants receive an official certificate issued by “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, recognized at the European level through the ERASMUS+ framework. This strengthens the employability of graduates in the international maritime and shipbuilding industry.

The training courses are certified by the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați through the Department of Continuous Learning. Participants who complete the program will receive 2 ECTS credits within the Naval Architecture qualification program after attending 30 hours of training over 8 weeks and it is open to all unemployed interested candidates.

Further details and contact information about this course—as well as future courses developed under the LeaderSHIP project—are available on the Faculty of Naval Architecture’s official Facebook page (in Romanian).

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1433609055436714&set=a.502912498506379

(Picture: Gabriel Popescu and Leonard Domnisoru, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati)