OPTIMUM DESIGN OF TRANSVERSE FRAME STRUCTURES IN TANKERS

In order to decrease the time necessary in designing transverse structures in tankers by the trial and error process a general nonlinear program has been developed. After selecting the main topology of the transverse frame, the choice of local dimensions, and analysis and judgment of the structure can be done by computer, and a series of different framing methods can be examined to determine the optimum weight or cost structure. The design process is thus automated. For the program a mathematical model of the frame structure is developed with some or all of the member cross-section variables being treated as free design variables. The analysis includes calculation of member cross-sectional properties and length of rigid sections, evaluation of member stiffness and unbalanced NODAL point forces, assembly of the total stiffness matrix, solution of the system of equations, and evaluation of axial force, shear force, and moment distributions in the members from the resulting model point displacements. An analysis of statically indeterminate structures is described, showing how the program is used to determine the main topology of the framing system. It is found that the results are approximations, but the program can be used to approximately determine the optimum system so that analysis by the finite element method can be applied while most of the previous trial and error is eliminated. General conclusions concerning relative merits of alternative frame topologies are drawn from the analysis of the results.

• Corporate Authors:

  Selvigs Forlag A/S

  Radhusgaten 8, Postbox 162
  Oslo 1,   Norway 
• Authors:
  • Lund, S
• Publication Date: 1971

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 17 p.
• Serial:
  • European Shipbuilding
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Scandinavian Ship Technical Society

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bulkheads (Ships); Computer aided design; Computers; Naval architecture; Ships; Tankers; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Transverse bulkheads
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00032656
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1972 12:00AM