block model

block model

See also: blockmodel

English

Noun

block model (plural block models)

1. (shipbuilding) A scale model of a ship to be built, showing the vessel's water line.
   • 1827, Naval Architecture, Mechanics Magazine, volume 6, page 35:

     ...the young shipwright is next desired to prepare a block model to the timbers, which, if correctly proportioned, will displace water equal to the weight of the vessel...

2. (shipbuilding) A simplified model of a ship with flat sides.
   • 1880, A.C. Kirk, "On a Method of Analyzing the Form of Ships", Transactions of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects volume 21, page 100:

     To show more clearly the relation of the block model to that of the actual ship, I have selected No. 4 in the Table...

   • 1890, Henry West, "Inaugural Address", Transactions of the Liverpool Engineering Society volume 11, page 15:

     No attempt in this direction has, as yet, met with the general favour which Dr. Kirk's block model analysis has secured.

3. (mathematics) A model of a network made by dividing it into blocks

Related terms

• water-line model