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Rapid Ship Design Evolution Using Computer Algorithms 

BMT Presentation at Pacific 2015

 

 

Abstract

The design of flexible platforms for maritime security and related operations presents some unique design challenges. Due to the extensive time and resource investment required to generate multiple design concepts, the traditional design approach does not easily lend itself to rapid trade-off, cost-benefit and options analyses where many different solutions are required to be synthesised and evaluated.

This is a challenge currently being faced by the SEA1180 and similar international programs which seek to consolidate minor warships into a more coherent and adaptable fleet. Determining the most ideal solution requires exploration of numerous multi-role combinations (e.g. patrol-hydrographic survey, patrol-minehunting, minehunting-hydrographic survey), analysis of the pros and cons of varying performance parameters for each multi-role concept (e.g. range, speed, endurance) and evaluation of different fleet mixes featuring one or more multi and single-role vessel types. Exploration of such a vast solution space requires a more intelligent, efficient and scientific approach.

This paper details the use of genetic and other algorithms to automate typically man-driven, labour-intensive components of the ship design process to enable rapid evolution of many design concepts with particular application to multi-role vessels. Ship designs were rapidly evolved for multiple mission role combinations and operational parameters which enabled a comprehensive trade-off analysis by which to determine the optimal multi-role, mission parameter and fleet mix configuration.

 

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