Meta-Models and Genetic Algorithm Application to Approximate Optimization with Discrete Variables for Fire Resistance Design of A60 Class Bulkhead Penetration Piece

Abstract

A60 class bulkhead penetration piece is a fire-resistance apparatus installed on bulkhead compartments to protect lives and to prevent flame diffusion in case of fire accident in ships and offshore plants. In this study, approximate optimization with discrete variables was carried out for the fire-resistance design of an A60 class bulkhead penetration piece (A60 BPP) using various meta-models and multi-island genetic algorithms. Transient heat transfer analysis was carried out to evaluate the fire-resistance design of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece, and we verified the results of the analysis via a fire test. The design of the experiment’s method was applied to generate the meta-models to be used for the approximate optimization, and the verified results of the transient heat transfer analysis were integrated with the design of the experiment’s method. The meta-models used in the approximate optimization were response surface model, Kriging, and radial basis function-based neural network. In the approximate optimization, the bulkhead penetration piece length, diameter, material type, and insulation density were applied to discrete design variables, and constraints that were considered include temperature, productivity, and cost. The approximate optimum design problem based on the meta-model was formulated such that the discrete design variables were determined by minimizing the weight of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece subject to the limit values of constraints. In the context of approximate accuracy, the solution results from the approximate optimization were compared to actual analysis results. It was concluded that the radial basis function-based neural network, among the meta-models used in the approximate optimization, showed the most accurate optimum design results for the fire-resistance design of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece.