A procedure to optimize ship side structures for crashworthiness

This paper presents a procedure to optimize a conceptual ship side structure from a crashworthiness point of view. As an example, this procedure is presented for a chemical or product tanker. A particle swarm optimization algorithm is used for the procedure. The classification society compliance of the conceptual design is checked through service loads that are applied to the ship's hull girder according to Det Norske Veritas. The collision simulations to assess the crashworthiness are carried out with the non-linear finite element solver LS-DYNA. An element length-dependent constant-strain failure criterion is chosen to simulate rupture. A numerical simulation of a stiffened plate serves to validate the material relation until failure. This material relation and failure definition makes possible an accurate prediction of the structural energy absorbed until inner plate rupture. The procedure is adjustable and applicable to other ship types and scenarios.