A METHOD FOR NONLINEAR OPTIMUM DESIGN OF LARGE STRUCTURES, AND APPLICATIONS TO NAVAL SHIP DESIGN

Abstract : Over the past several years a methodology for rationally-based optimum design of large structures has been developed. Previous papers have presented some of its features and have shown how it gives substantial savings in structure cost, reduces design time and gives the designer far more power and flexibility, allowing, for example, a much wider investigation of design alternatives. This paper presents the method's dual level formulation of the optimization problem, which is a principal source of its versatility and efficiency. It also demonstrates its use for the structural design of naval ships and presents the results of a realistic design study of a destroyer, showing how the method achieves substantial savings in structural weight and vertical center of gravity compared to current practice designs, while also satisfying constraints on hull girder deflection and fatigue damage. (Author)