A methodology for topside design and integration in preliminary warship design.

摘要

This thesis investigates warship topside design and integration and proposes audmethodology that provides, during the preliminary design stages, an enhancedudtopside design capability above that currently available. The feasibility of such audsystem is demonstrated through a number of individual investigations and shipuddesign studies for both conventional and unconventional naval vessels. Audrecommended implementation of the methodology, integrating it with the recentlyudproduced layout system, is proposed as the way forward.udTopside design is a complex task resulting from the requirement to locate all theudnecessary equipment on the weatherdeck and superstructure of a warship whilstudminimising interactions. The current tools and design methodologies fail toudcohesively address design issues at the concept stage. This is often due to theudspecialist nature of the analyses, which require detailed definitions only availableudlater in the design process as well as expert knowledge in the application of theudtechniques. The proposed methodology provides guidance as different designudsolutions are developed and evaluated, allowing earlier identification of potentialudproblems. It operates in an 'open' manner providing the naval architect with theudflexibility to investigate and analyse the design as it evolves without dictating designuddecisions or requiring expert application knowledge.udThe major issues that need to be considered during preliminary warship design areuddiscussed. Current design methods and the shortfalls associated with each of themudare considered. A methodology is outlined detailing the principles that are applicableudand the important components and characteristics of any solution identified. Theudmajor aspects in topside integration are investigated and design tools proposed andudevaluated. A framework for the integration of these tools is developed which isudsuitable for implementation using current computer technology. The suitability ofudthis framework to incorporate other less complex but important topside design issuesudis evaluated and appropriate techniques identified.