Collaborative optimization for ring-stiffened composite pressure hull of underwater vehicle based on lamination parameters

A Collaborative Optimization (CO) methodology for ring-stiffened composite material pressure hull of underwater vehicle is proposed. Structural stability and material strength are both examined. Lamination parameters of laminated plates are introduced to improve the optimization efficiency. Approximation models are established based on the Ellipsoidal Basis Function (EBF) neural network to replace the finite element analysis in layout optimizers. On the basis of a two-level optimization, the simultaneous structure material collaborative optimization for the pressure vessel is implemented. The optimal configuration of metal liner and frames and composite material is obtained with the comprehensive consideration of structure and material performances. The weight of the composite pressure hull decreases by 30.3% after optimization and the validation is carried out. Collaborative optimization based on the lamination parameters can optimize the composite pressure hull effectively, as well as provide a solution for low efficiency and non-convergence of direct optimization with design variables. Copyright (C) 2016 Society of Naval Architects of Korea. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.