Overview of Ship General Design
As a core tool for water transportation and operations, the design quality of ships has a direct impact on navigation safety, transportation efficiency, and economic benefits. Therefore, ship general design is a complex and systematic engineering process aimed at ensuring ships meet functional requirements while achieving superior performance and cost-effectiveness.
Key steps in ship general design include:
- Requirement Analysis & Functional Definition
- Clarify the ship's primary purpose (e.g., cargo, passenger, research, or military) and determine basic parameters such as dimensions, load capacity, speed, and range.
- Preliminary Design & Scheme Comparison
- Propose multiple design schemes and select the optimal one through comparative analysis.
- Detailed Design & Optimization
- Develop detailed designs for hull structure, power systems, electronic systems, and interior layouts. Utilize tools like CAD and CFD to optimize performance and reduce costs.
- Model Testing & Performance Verification
- Conduct basin tests with physical models or numerical simulations to validate design feasibility and performance before actual construction.
Wigley Hull
Parametrization
In ship design, the selection of hull parameters has a critical impact on performance. Engineers often use standardized hull models for systematic study and optimization. The Wigley hull, proposed by British naval engineer Wigley, is a classical, idealized model with symmetrical and geometrically simple features.
Key parameters include:
- Length (L): Affects resistance and maneuverability.
- Breadth (B): Jointly influences resistance and maneuverability with length.
- Molded Depth (D): Correlates with load capacity and stability.
The formula defines the hull lines:
y=B2(1−(2xL)2)(1−(zD)2)y=2B(1−(L2x)2)(1−(Dz)2
Adjusting these parameters enables rapid optimization of hull shape and performance under varying operational and environmental conditions.
OpTides-Based Hull
Design Optimization
OpTides, developed by TurboTides, is an integrated software for fluid-structure design, simulation, and optimization, specifically designed for ship design and hydrodynamic analysis. It excels in modeling and optimizing Wigley-parameterized hulls with the following advantages:
- Precision Geometry Modeling: Accurately constructs and adjusts Wigley hull geometry (length, breadth, depth) to meet hydrodynamic requirements.
- Optimization Algorithms: Automatically adjusts hull parameters under diverse conditions to minimize resistance and maximize navigation efficiency, reducing fuel consumption.
- Integrated Analysis: Combines hydrodynamics and numerical simulation to evaluate wave resistance, stability, and lift under varying sea conditions.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies modeling and adjustments through intuitive visualization, enhancing design efficiency for both experts and novices.
- Simulation & Validation: Compares results with experimental data to ensure reliability in real-world applications.
OpTides Optimization
Workflow
The optimization process involves:
- Parametric Hull Definition: Define basic geometry (L, B, D) using Wigley parameters.
- Hull Model Generation: Convert parametric data into 3D models via specialized algorithms.
- Performance Analysis: Evaluate hydrodynamic metrics (speed, resistance) based on user-defined criteria.
- Design Validation:
- If requirements are met → Finalize design.
- If not → Apply Free-Form Deformation (FFD) to reshape the hull and re-analyze performance.
FFD Technique:
- Deforms hull geometry by adjusting the positions of lattice points.
- Utilizes Radial Basis Function (RBF) to expedite mesh generation during boundary modifications.
Through iterative optimization, OpTides refines the hull shape until design goals are achieved, significantly improving design precision and efficiency.
Conclusion
Optimizing ship design, applying advanced technologies, and implementing scientific management are vital for enhancing vessel performance, advancing water transportation, and ensuring maritime safety. As technology evolves, TurboTides continues to drive innovation in ship design, empowering the industry with cutting-edge solutions.
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a live demonstration.