Vessel Design Research Articles

Adaptive grey wolf optimizer based on transfer function inertia weight of second-order high-pass filter

This paper proposes an Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimizer based on Transfer function Inertia Weight of Second-order High-pass Filter (SAGWO), aiming to overcome the limitations of Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) in terms of convergence speed and solution accuracy. SAGWO enhances the algorithm's dynamic adaptability and greatly speeds up convergence by incorporating the transfer function of the second-order high-pass filter into the modifications of inertia and leader wolves' weight. Furthermore, SAGWO incorporates an adaptive random search component, which significantly enhances the search range and the ability to explore globally. The performance of SAGWO is assessed and compared against three prominent Swarm Intelligence Algorithms (ALO, WOA, and EHO), along with GWO and GWO optimized by PSO. This evaluation is conducted through trials on the CEC2017 standard test set. The experimental results indicate that SAGWO outperforms in terms of both convergence speed and solution correctness. Moreover, SAGWO is utilized to address practical engineering problems such as pressure vessel design and robot gripper design, showcasing its remarkable effectiveness once more. This research enhances the theoretical development of Swarm Intelligence Algorithms and demonstrates the significant utility of SAGWO in practical applications, establishing it as a powerful instrument for scientific investigation and engineering optimization.

Quantitative analysis of toxicity risks in the operation of ammonia-fueled tugboats

As efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions in the global shipping industry intensify, people are constantly looking for new types of energy to replace traditional fuels. Ammonia is considered a novel energy source due to its potential for carbon-neutral shipping when produced from renewable energy sources and is extremely promising for the shipping industry. In this study, the fuel toxicity risk of ammonia-fueled ships under operating conditions was quantified for the first time. The assessment process adopts the traditional quantitative risk assessment (QRA) framework with accident probability calculations based on Bayesian theory, and the process of partial quantification of consequences also guides the delineation of safety zones. The results of the study suggest that ammonia-powered tugboats are at a higher risk of toxic accidents during operation than accidents at sea, but both are within the acceptable limits of current international maritime safety and environmental standards. Finally, safety measures and risk mitigation strategies are proposed based on the study results. This provides important support in safety risk analysis for the design, production and operation of subsequent ammonia fueled vessels and is of great theoretical and practical importance.

Comparative analysis and enhancement of conical component calculation under internal pressure in European pressure vessel Standards

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of conical components in pressure vessels emphasizing their significance when utilized to transition between different diameters or slopes. A thorough design and analysis are underscored as essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of these components under diverse loading circumstances. The paper aims to propose enhancements to the European Pressure Vessel Standards concerning conical components under internal pressure, with a focus on improving safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Existing European standards are reviewed, identifying potential gaps and proposing practical solutions. The paper also presents research findings on the influence of cone apex angles, shell geometries and design pressure on cone plate thickness calculations. A new methodology for the design and analysis of conical components in pressure vessels is proposed, offering a potential pathway to safer and more efficient pressure vessels. A range of cylinder diameter between 1000 and 2500 mm and cone angles between 30° and 60° are used as input to quantify the difference in cone thickness for a design pressure ranging between 10 and 200 barg. The proposed method yields results much closer to AD2000 compared to EN13445, leading to slightly thicker cones (up to 2.2 mm for the selected range of cone diameters and angles) compared to the former, resulting in safer pressure vessel design, and thinner cones (up to 22 mm) compared to the latter resulting in significant material savings. A comparative analysis was performed through Finite Element Analysis validating the EN13445 unsuitability for cone thickness calculations. A modification is proposed for equation (7.6)-(8) in EN13445 resulting in thinner plates reducing the cone plate thickness difference to 0.9 % on average compared to the current deviation of -9.6 % on average for the selected range of cylinder diameters and cone angles.

Frequency Responses of a Graphene Oxide Reinforced Concrete Structure

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on the vibrations of reinforced concrete structure by graphene oxide powders (GOPs) using a polynomial displacement field and the Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM). The study focuses on analyzing the dynamic behavior of the structure and assessing the effects of three different distribution patterns of GOPs on its vibrations. To accurately model the deformation of the pressure vessel, a polynomial displacement field is employed, taking into account the complex geometrical and material properties of the structure. The results highlight the significant influence of the distribution pattern of GOPs on the natural frequencies of the spherical concrete pressure vessel. The analysis reveals that variations in the weight fraction and arrangement of GOPs have a direct impact on the stiffness and dynamic characteristics of the structure. Specifically, increasing the weight fraction of GOPs generally leads to higher natural frequencies, indicating enhanced structural rigidity. Moreover, the polynomial displacement field and GDQM demonstrate their effectiveness in accurately predicting the vibrations of the reinforced pressure vessel. The combination of these numerical techniques enables efficient and reliable analysis of the dynamic response, allowing for optimization of the design and performance of spherical concrete pressure vessels.

Structural design of the acrylic vessel for the Jinping Neutrino Experiment

The Jinping neutrino experiment is designed to have multiple purposes in the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Following the acrylic vessel design requirements proposal, a structural scheme has been developed and optimized. Subsequently, the stability of the acrylic shell structure is calculated using finite element analysis, as well as the load-bearing capacities under various working conditions. Further, the effects of temperature changes, rope failures, and Young's modulus of the ropes on the static behavior of the structure are analyzed. The results indicated that the stress level and structural displacement of the structure scheme satisfy the design requirements, as well as the stability of the vessel under compression. The acrylic vessel is safe in the given working conditions. Temperature is not a controlling factor in structural design. The structural scheme ensures basic safety if one vertical rope, two vertical ropes, or one horizontal rope fails.

The results of the study of mass ceramics from the excavations at the medieval fortifi ed settlement of Ken-Bulun in 2022 (Chui Valley, Kyrgyzstan)

The article presents the results of a thorough study of ceramic finds from the Ken-Bulun settlement of the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan, obtained during the 2022 field season. Knowledge about the initial plastic raw materials has been extended: in addition to clay raw materials, there are indictors of the use of clay-like raw materials, such as loess. Two traditions of clay preparation were also recorded: wet and dry. Three traditions were revealed in the composition of the molding masses: one mixed and two unmixed. In addition, the information on the design of vessels has been clarified and supplemented: some of the products have signs of using mold-models. The study of the ornamentation was incomplete due to the fragmentary nature of the finds, so, the article provides data on the first level of technical and technological analysis – a description of the elements of the ornament and the definition of the type of tool used to create the ornament. The set of ceramic forms is quite extensive and includes cookingware, tableware, transport ceramics, as well as household items. The ornament and shapes of Ken-Bulun pottery bring them closer to the pottery assemblages from other settlements of the Chuy Valley, as well as Southern Kazakhstan.

Slime mould algorithm with horizontal crossover and adaptive evolutionary strategy: performance design for engineering problems

Abstract In optimization, metaheuristic algorithms have received extensive attention and research due to their excellent performance. The slime mould algorithm (SMA) is a newly proposed metaheuristic algorithm. It has the characteristics of fewer parameters and strong optimization ability. However, with the increasing difficulty of optimization problems, SMA has some shortcomings in complex problems. For example, the main concerns are low convergence accuracy and prematurely falling into local optimal solutions. To overcome these problems, this paper has developed a variant of SMA called CCSMA. It is an improved SMA based on horizontal crossover (HC) and covariance matrix adaptive evolutionary strategy (CMAES). First, HC can enhance the exploitation of the algorithm by crossing the information between different individuals to promote communication within the population. Finally, CMAES facilitates algorithm exploration and exploitation to reach a balanced state by dynamically adjusting the size of the search range. This benefits the algorithm by allowing it to go beyond the local space to explore other solutions with better quality. To verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm, we select some new original and improved algorithms as competitors. CCSMA is compared with these competitors in 40 benchmark functions of IEEE CEC2017 and CEC2020. The results demonstrate that our work outperforms the competitors in terms of optimization accuracy and jumping out of the local space. In addition, CCSMA is applied to tackle three typical engineering optimization problems. These three problems include multiple disk clutch brake design, pressure vessel design, and speed reducer design. The results showed that CCSMA achieved the lowest optimization cost. This also proves that it is an effective tool for solving realistic optimization problems.

High-temperature material properties of type 316L stainless steel for the design of pressure boundary components subjected to 700°C coolant

The high-temperature material properties of Type 316L stainless steel (hereafter referred to as “316L SS”) were determined through a series of material tests to enable the design of pressure vessels and piping operating up to 700 °C. Currently, the only applicable design rule for 316L SS components in the high-temperature creep range is French high-temperature design standard, RCC-MRx. However, the material properties provided by RCC-MRx are limited to approximately 600 °C. In this study, new material properties and relevant design coefficients for Type 316L components subjected to 700 °C coolant were determined based on material tests including tension, fatigue and creep tests conducted on 316L SS specimens. Utilizing these supplemented properties and design coefficients, the design of pressure boundary components and piping made of 316L SS in a large-scale test facility known as TESET, subjected to 700 °C coolant, was carried out. Several large-scale sodium tests at high temperatures up to 700 °C were successfully conducted at the TESET facility, with the main components and piping designed and constructed using 316L SS.

Design and Engineering of Nitrogen Receiver

Within numerous industrial applications, pressurized nitrogen gas plays a critical role. Nitrogen receiver pressure vessels function as the secure storage tanks for this gas, guaranteeing its safe and on-demand availability. These vessels are constructed from high-strength steel in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) standards. This ensures they can withstand the internal pressure of the contained nitrogen. ASME BPVC, a comprehensive set of rules, dictates the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. By adhering to these stringent standards, manufacturers guarantee the safety and reliability of these vessels. In conclusion, nitrogen receiver pressure vessels, designed and built following ASME standards, are an integral part of industrial gas storage and distribution. Their ability to safely store pressurized nitrogen in compliance with strict safety regulations makes them essential for various processes across numerous industries

Learning cooking algorithm for solving global optimization problems

In recent years, many researchers have made a continuous effort to develop new and efficient meta-heuristic algorithms to address complex problems. Hence, in this study, a novel human-based meta-heuristic algorithm, namely, the learning cooking algorithm (LCA), is proposed that mimics the cooking learning activity of humans in order to solve challenging problems. The LCA strategy is primarily motivated by observing how mothers and children prepare food. The fundamental idea of the LCA strategy is mathematically designed in two phases: (i) children learn from their mothers and (ii) children and mothers learn from a chef. The performance of the proposed LCA algorithm is evaluated on 51 different benchmark functions (which includes the first 23 functions of the CEC 2005 benchmark functions) and the CEC 2019 benchmark functions compared with state-of-the-art meta-heuristic algorithms. The simulation results and statistical analysis such as the t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Friedman test reveal that LCA may effectively address optimization problems by maintaining a proper balance between exploitation and exploration. Furthermore, the LCA algorithm has been employed to solve seven real-world engineering problems, such as the tension/compression spring design, pressure vessel design problem, welded beam design problem, speed reducer design problem, gear train design problem, three-bar truss design, and cantilever beam problem. The results demonstrate the LCA’s superiority and capability over other algorithms in solving complex optimization problems.

Exact solutions for the elastic-plastic response of functionally graded pipe under external pressure

This study investigates the influence of material gradient on the elastoplastic response of functionally graded (FG) thick-walled pipes subjected to external pressure. Closed-form solutions are derived for radial and circumferential stresses across various stages: purely elastic, partially plastic, and post-unloading from plastic regimes. Both the elastic modulus and yield stress exhibit radial variation defined by power-law functions, while Poisson's ratio remains constant. The stress distribution within the pipe depends not only on the external pressure but also on the material gradient index and the geometric dimensions of the pipe. A method is presented to accurately determine the first yielding position in a thin-walled tube based on the material gradient index by employing Tresca's yield criterion. Plastic zones nucleate at one or both surfaces as external pressure increases. The propagation of elastoplastic interfaces and stress distributions within each zone are examined in detail. Notably, following plastic deformation and complete unloading, FG thick-walled pipes may exhibit re-emergence of plastic deformation, depending on the pre-unloading stress state and the gradient of the elastic modulus. The conclusions of this work expected to aid in the design of FG pressure vessels and improve their load-carrying capacity and safety.

Improved marine predators algorithm for engineering design optimization problems

The Marine Predator Algorithm (MPA) has unique advantages as an important branch of population-based algorithms. However, it emerges more disadvantages gradually, such as traps to local optima, insufficient diversity, and premature convergence, when dealing with complex problems in practical industrial engineering design applications. In response to these limitations, this paper proposes a novel Improved Marine Predator Algorithm (IMPA). By introducing an adaptive weight adjustment strategy and a dynamic social learning mechanism, this study significantly improves the encounter frequency and efficiency between predators and preys in marine ecosystems. The performance of the IMPA was evaluated through benchmark functions, CEC2021 suite problems, and engineering design problems, including welded beam design, tension/compression spring design, pressure vessel design, and three-bar design. The results indicate that the IMPA has achieved significant success in the optimization process over other methods, exhibiting excellent performance in both solving optimal parameter solutions and optimizing objective function values. The IMPA performs well in terms of accuracy and robustness, which also proves its efficiency in successfully solving complex industrial engineering design problems.

A new analytical tool for the elastic/plastic buckling design of pressure vessels subjected to external pressure

This paper deals with the elastic/plastic buckling design of pressure vessels under external pressure loading. The objective is to build a simple analytical tool devoted to the elastic and elastoplastic buckling analysis of pressure equipments. This tool is aimed to provide the critical external pressure of cylindrical pressure vessels with ellipsoidal (or possibly hemispherical) heads. Depending on the geometry of the equipment and material parameters, the first buckling pressure may involve either the cylindrical shell or the closure ends, in the elastic or plastic range. The calculation tool will be thus based on a series of exact or approximate analytical solutions of the critical pressure of each part of the considered equipment. In this paper, the elementary shell structures involved in such pressure equipments are first individually examined. The fundamental critical pressures for each of them are recalled or introduced, both in elasticity and plasticity. The new solutions are validated against reference numerical results obtained through finite element computations. Then, approximate solutions of the critical pressure are derived for the same shells, taking account of specific boundary conditions (and not idealized ones, as before) due to the presence of the remaining part of the equipment. In the end, a VBA Excel software is developed. It is able to provide the mappings of the buckling mode type and the corresponding critical pressures for large ranges of geometric and material parameters in a very efficient way. These analytical solutions are finally confronted to numerical calculations performed on complete pressure equipments and they are shown to give quite reliable results. A discussion is also initiated on the use of such a program to update the current design rules in this scope of application.

Efficient Design Methods for Variable-Angle-Tow Composite Toroidal Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels are widely used in various aerospace and automotive applications. For some applications with limited space, spherical and ellipsoidal shapes are less attractive than toroids. Toroidal shapes can be defined as curved, endless hollow shapes that eliminate the need for end caps when used for pressure vessels. This study presents an analytical formulation using lamination parameters for the novel design of toroidal pressure vessels. The proposed design is based on stiffness tailoring by changing the fiber tow trajectories spatially through the structure to suppress the direct stress and strain gradients in the thickness direction, leading to reduced structural weight, defined as bend-free variable-angle-tow (VAT) toroidal pressure vessels. For a toroidal pressure vessel with a fixed geometry, the VAT distribution through the structure to suppress bending is obtained. Subsequently, the bending stresses and strain levels in the designed VAT toroidal pressure vessels are assessed numerically and compared with those of their isotropic and constant-stiffness composite counterparts. Results show that the designed VAT toroidal pressure vessel generates considerably lower degrees of bending than its corresponding isotropic and constant-stiffness composite counterparts.

Performance Assessment of Natural Survivor Method-Based Metaheuristic Optimizers in Global Optimization and Engineering Design Problems

This study presents the comparative performance analysis of Natural Survivor Method (NSM)-based algorithms in solving the IEEE CEC 2022 test suite benchmark problems and four real-world engineering design problems. Three different variants (Case1, Case2, Case3) of the NSM-TLABC, NSM-SFS and NSM-LSHADE-SPACMA algorithms were used in the study. The data obtained from the experimental studies were statistically analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Based on the Friedman test results, NSM-LSHADE-SPACMA_Case2 showed the best performance with an average Friedman score of 3.96. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that NSM-LSHADE-SPACMA_Case2 outperformed its competitors in 13 out of 16 experiments, achieving a success rate of 81.25%. NSM-LSHADE-SPACMA_Case2, which was found to be the most powerful of the NSM-based algorithms, is used to solve cantilever beam design, tension/compression spring design, pressure vessel design and gear train design problems. The optimization results are also compared with eight state-of-the-art metaheuristics, including Rime Optimization Algorithm (RIME), Nonlinear Marine Predator Algorithm (NMPA), Northern Goshawk Optimization (NGO), Kepler Optimization Algorithm (KOA), Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA), Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer (GTO), Exponential Distribution Optimization (EDO) and Hunger Games Search (HGS). Given that all results are together, it is seen that NSM-LSHADE-SPACMA_Case2 algorithm consistently produced the best results for the global and engineering design problems studied.

Сравнительный анализ методов расчета нагрузки масс на начальных стадиях проектирования судна по разделу «Корпус металлический» на примере танкера ледового плавания

«Нагрузка масс» является одним из ключевых документов, входящих в состав проектной документации. Максимально точный расчет всех разделов нагрузки масс судна является важной составляющей проектного процесса, от ранних до заключительных этапов проектирования судна. Известно большое количество методов приближенного определения массы корпуса судна на начальных стадиях проектирования, однако результаты расчетов по этим методам часто дают большое расхождение с фактическими данными, получаемыми путем определения массы корпуса по документам рабочего проекта или по результатам кренования и взвешивания судна после спуска. В настоящей статье приведено описание наиболее распространенных приближенных методов определения массы металлического корпуса судна (как с применением, так без применения данных судна-прототипа), а также сравнение результатов расчета по этим методам с фактической массой корпуса нефтеналивного судна ледового плавания класса AFRAMAX, полученной путем прямого расчета. Для решения поставленной задачи использовалась трехмерная модель корпуса, выполненная в программе «Rhinocerous» и результаты процедуры «Набора по правилам», выполненной в программном комплексе «САПР-К» на основе требований Общих Правил МАКО для навалочных и нефтеналивных судов. Результаты работы могут быть полезными проектантам при выборе адекватного метода расчета массы металлического корпуса на начальных стадиях проектирования судна. “Calculation of Weights” is one of the key documents included in the design documentation. The most accurate calculation of all sections of the vessel's weights breakdown is an important component of the design process from the early to the final stages of vessel design. There are a large number of methods for approximate determination of the mass of a ship's hull at the initial stages of design, however, the results of calculations using these methods often give a large discrepancy with the actual data obtained by determining the mass of the hull from detailed design documents or from the results of inclining and weighing experiment for the vessel after launching. This article provides a description of the most common approximate methods for determining the mass of the steel hull (both with and without the use of data from a reference vessel), as well as a comparison of the calculation results using these methods with the actual mass of the hull of an AFRAMAX class ice-going oil tanker, obtained by direct calculation. To solve the problem, a 3-d model of the hull was used, made in the «Rhinocerous» program and the results of the prescriptive hull design procedure, carried out in the «CADS-HULL» software package based on the requirements of the IACS Common Rules for bulk carriers and oil tankers. The results of the work can be useful to designers when choosing an adequate method for calculating the mass of a steel hull at the initial stages of ship design.

Operational Matrix Framework for Energy Balance Analysis for Early Stage Design of Complex Vessels

Considering vital ship systems or distributed ship service systems at the early stage of complex vessels is a challenging task. The recent UCL Network Block Approach aimed to enable ship designer to address ship systems design synthesis simultaneously as a logical network using MATLAB with a CPLEX Toolbox in MATLAB and representative piping, cabling, and trunking routings on the physical description of the ship using a proven CASD tool PARAMARINESURFCON. This was possible due to adopting a set of frameworks, as part of this comprehensive approach. The paper presents one of the frameworks: the Operational Matrix, to formulate distributed ship service systems network in the early stage design of complex vessels. The application of the framework could take on many forms and can be manipulated to suit a specific distributed ship service system’s design. In this paper, a tutorial is given, leading from the simplest application of the Operational Matrix Framework to an example of a complex Operational Matrix application for the 3D multiplex submarine systems problem. The use of the proposed Operational Matrix Framework is shown to reveal the relationship between objective functions, constraints, bounds, and solutions of that linear programming formulation. The Operational Matrix Framework can enable the solvers (CPLEX Toolbox in MATLAB) to be very efficient in advancing early stage ship design applications. The Framework could be developed further for investigating the analysis of energy balances for new systems to achieve net zero energy demands for future naval vessels.

Iron Powder as a fuel on Service Vessels

This paper investigates the feasibility of iron powder energy generation systems on board a semi-submersible crane vessel. This is done using a design model that integrates design information and a simulated mission profile to determine a hybrid iron powder setup split. This setup is then placed within a set of vessel designs to calculate a base level feasibility looking at the draft, stability, and emissions decrease. For those concepts that were technically feasible, the new hybrid iron powder setup contributed to a reduction of CO2 up to 25-50% and a reduction of NOx emissions between 15-50%, depending on the mission profile.

Early Marine Systems' Design – Cracking the wicked problem - The case of a novel biomass harvesting vessel

Several IMDC contributions have argued for a better approach to capture stakeholders' expectations in vessel newbuilding projects' execution. The appropriate processes of requirements elucidation are, however, often forgotten or insufficiently handled in traditional ship design and customer-designer settings. Such situations most often reveal a situation in which both "tamed" and "wicked" problems are addressed and must be dealt with properly and effectively at the earliest stage of the process. This paper shows how such problems can be addressed by using the existing multidisciplinary methodology. A practical approach consisting of a set of methods, tools, and work processes integrated into the Accelerated Business Development (ABD) approach is applied to a specific use case, a next-generation factory stern trawler development. A detailed step-by-step story of the early vessel design process – requirements elucidation in parallel with concept design solution development – is outlined following a narrative approach. The process being described covers how necessary support information, stakeholders' expectations identification, business[1]related analyses, specific design layout, onboard comfort, and fish process handling and storage are dealt with effectively and efficiently. This case study exemplifies specific solutions to better handle particularly wicked problem situations, but also tamed problems are addressed systemically. The paper concludes by showing how a final ship design solution can look like and consequently be prepared for and to be built. The handover process and documentation from requirements capture and concept design solution development to further basic design activities are highlighted. The case vessel at hand won the prestigious “ship-of-the-year” award in Norway in 2023. The paper critically discusses what are likely to be the most important factors leading to this outcome.

The optimal design of composite overwrapped pressure vessels based on geodesic dome trajectories using population-based techniques

Pressure vessels are frequently fabricated using composite materials which stand out with their high strength-to-weight ratio, and provide considerable advantages compared to conventional steel ones. In our previous study, the impacts of Polar Opening Radius (POR) on the mechanical characteristics of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels COPVs were numerically examined, and it was determined that effective volume and structural weight responses improved with higher POR, but significant deterioration took place in first-ply interlaminar shear stress (ILSS) responses after 20 mm POR. Therefore, to achieve the best possible mechanical and structural behaviors, the present study aimed to discover an optimum POR that provides maximum internal volume as well as minimum weight and ILSS responses. In this regard, the optimum geodesic dome trajectory based on the 10–30 mm POR range was determined using the Bees Algorithm (BA) and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). According to the findings, the optimum POR was found as 17.9643 and 17.9671 mm due to the BA and PSO algorithms, respectively. Moreover, first-ply ILSS, structural weight and effective internal volume for the optimal COPVs design were achieved as 52.444 MPa, 1070.81 g, and 2721.94 cm3 from the BA, and thus COPVs with maximum strength and minimum structural weight has been designed. In this way, thanks to the optimization studies, an approximately 18.31% improvement in ILSS responses was achieved despite the negligible deterioration in weight and volume compared to the COPVs with a 30 mm POR.