A Spatial Layout Optimization Program Considering the Survivability of a Naval Vessel in the Early Design Stage

Abstract

As mission capability and scope of naval vessels are increasing, there has been an emphasis on the importance of survivability of naval vessels. Elements of survivability include susceptibility, vulnerability, and recoverability among which vulnerability is directly associated with the interior spatial layout of a naval vessel. However, various other elements also must be simultaneously considered in the design phase of a naval vessel. Accordingly, this study proposes a method that considers survivability an assessment factor by quantifying vulnerability in attacks, which is directly associated with the effect of spatial layout of a naval vessel. Furthermore, to automatically create spatial layout alternatives of naval vessels and efficiently deduce optimum spatial layout results, this study developed an optimization program for the spatial layout of naval vessels. The differential evolution algorithm was used for the optimization, and its effectiveness was validated by applying it to various examples. 1. Introduction The spatial layout problem, arranging equipment and facilities that perform various functions in a limited space, requires various layout alternatives to reflect the intention of the designer. The problem of arranging equipment and compartments in a vessel can also be regarded as spatial layout problem. In particular, spatial layout of a naval vessel must consider the characteristics of the naval vessel, which performs multiple tasks such as battle, habitation, maintenance, and communication to establish systematic spatial layout strategies. Many studies have been conducted regarding ways to perform spatial layout in light of various elements from the initial design phase of naval vessels. The intelligent ship arrangement (ISA) algorithm has been proposed by the University of Michigan research team in the United States (Parsons et al. 2008). The University College London (UCL) research team in the UK also proposed a ship design method using the design building block concept (Andrews 1998), and then extended their research to apply the simulation-based design concept (Andrews 2006). In the Netherlands, the TU Delft research team suggested a method of applying the packing approach to the initial design stage of the vessel (van Oers & Hopman 2010; van Oers 2011). Especially, the UCL research team developed the naval vessel design module SURFCON, which is applicable to the PARAMARINE ship design software. In Korea, regulations and the system for designing naval vessels and spatial layout are defined, but there are no processes or specific methodologies to apply them to the actual naval vessel design process. Therefore, spatial layout of naval vessels is being carried out based on the experience and subjective judgment of experts.