Which structural challenge did 18th-century shipwrights primarily address to increase naval artillery firepower in new vessel construction?

💡 Explanation

When larger cannons were added, hull torsion became a critical problem because the firing recoil induced significant twisting stress along the vessel's length, threatening structural integrity. Therefore, compensating for hull twisting was essential, rather than center-of-gravity, mast collapse or rudder issues which were related to displacement, material strength or maneuverability.

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