An Integrated Approach for the Computerized Production Process of Curved Hull Plates

Abstract

The production procedure for curved hull plates follows a sequence of shell development, plate cutting, roller press bending, and line heating processes. The final accuracy of shell plates to be formed depends on eliminating errors accumulated during each process. To satisfy shipyard demand for improved accuracy, each process requires careful examination and the entire system should be concurrently integrated. However, previous research and development has been limited to each independent process. An integrated approach for a computerized production process is being developed. This paper presents the basic concept of the approach. The approach is developed based on engineering analysis in order to guarantee the desired accuracy. Thus, it includes mechanical simulation of cutting, roller press bending, and line heating, with kinematics of shell development. Practical experiences of shipyard experts are implemented into the proposed system by means of a knowledge-based neural network system. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the present approach.