Optimal Structure Design of Elliptical Deep-Submersible Pressure Hull

Abstract

Geometric configurations such as hull shape, shell thickness, stiffener layout, and type of materials are the key factors influencing the structural performance of pressure hulls. The aim of this study is to maximize the structural efficiency of elliptical deep-submerged pressure hull under hydrostatic pressure. Minimize the buoyancy factor of a submarine pressure hull under hydrostatic pressure was proposed as an objective function for both composite and steel models. The thickness and the orientation angle of each layer, the radii of the ellipse and the operating depth are taken as design variables. Also, the shell buckling strength and the angle-ply laminated failure strength are considered in the case of composite model. In the other hand, the shell thickness, the radii of the ellipse, the stiffeners offsets, the stiffeners dimensions, and the operating depth, are selected as design variables for steel model with shell buckling and materials yielding constraints. The analysis is performed using commercial finite element analysis software ANSYS. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to study the influence of the design variables on the structural optimum design. Results of this study provide a valuable reference for designers of underwater vehicles.