Optimization of ship structure based on zooming finite element analysis with sensitivities

This paper studies the design optimization process of ship structure with a large opening with the zooming finite element method for stress analysis so as to reduce computational effort. In order to handle the effects of the design variables existing in any part of the structure on the zooming region, the sensitivities of the design variables are utilized for computing the boundary conditions for zooming finite element analysis. The use of a different mesh pattern in zooming analysis from global analysis is possible; the effect of mesh refinement on the optimization process is also examined. It is shown that the accuracy of the stress analysis is improved, resulting in a more rational optimization of ship structure. Not only displacement but also stress boundary conditions are applied, and a comparison is made to describe their effects.