The Use of CAD Systems to Manage Modularity in Multi-Role Warships

Abstract

Modulation requires new approaches to the entire shipbuilding process, general arrangement for the warships need careful analysis of interaction and physical connection between modules: electrical, water, air conditioning, etc. and between modules and the elements surrounding them. The analysis of areas with high potential for modulation will lead, by the application of the criteria decided, to a selection of several standard modules to be designed in CAD systems for those cases where it is expected to achieve significant savings by producing series of modules. The appropriate application of the modularization theories demands a difficult exercise of coordination among the design of all the units, systems, zones or disciplines present in the compartments and also direct implications in constructive strategy which will require specific protocols for the correct implementation of the modules during the constructive stages. The implementation of new tools to handle modules in warships is particularly important since it remarkably simplifies the analysis, what leads to a high potential in the improvement of the coordination among design areas and disciplines, and consequently to a more efficient design. The typical outfitting and equipment modules for these areas shall be defined, interfaces to the equipment and specification of cables, pipes and air conditioning systems needed for the module. The goal will be to define a limited number of standard modules, which allows exploiting serial effects and containing a significant part of outfitting in order to achieve savings from pre-outfitting. But the concept of modularization has even a wider meaning for warships when thinking in modularity, not only oriented to the design and constructive advantages but also in the future evolution of these kind of ships in order to be reoriented easily towards different uses, future upgrades or changes that should be realized to be able to undertake different kind of missions thanks to an efficient Plug and Play system. The aim of this paper is to develop concepts and design solutions for modular machinery space, on-board automation and warship equipment. To achieve those possibilities, not only the modularity concept will be necessary, it also needs a clear vision of which will be the lifecycle of the warship and its present and future purposes or possible upgrades in order to create a design. CAD systems are essential tools to provide the vision and the base to design and simulate the different possibilities that a warship would be able to provide thanks to the application of a modular concept during its complete lifecycle.