Deformation Study of the Vasa Ship

The main objective of this study is to detect deformation in the hull or moorings of therecovered and restored 17th century Swedish warship Vasaskeppet (The Vasa Ship)housed in a Stockholm museum. The ship was underwater for centuries and presentssome unique challenges to those working to maintain it. This study aims to determinewhether or not this priceless historical artefact has deformed in recent years and to helpcontribute to its maintenance. This deformation study includes an analysis conducted inthree stages: (i) to examine the stability and reliability of the underlying control networkin use at the museum; (ii) to examine the way in which the ship is moving with respect tothe museum structure; and (iii) to detect any deformation or movement evident inindividual parts of the ship with respect to one another. The analysis of the Vasa is anactive area of research and the primary motivation for this study is the fact the ship isunique in many respects, and anything that can be done must be done to ensure itspreservation