Optimal Design of Sandwich Vessel Roofs

In this study the basic engineering principles, goals and constraints are all combined to fuzzy methodology and applied to design optimally sandwich panel circular plate roofs for large vessels. These panels are made up of two stiff, strong veneer skins separated by vertical and peripheral stiffener plates. Advantages are high strength and lightweight and sustainability. In the present approach first the goals and constraints of the end-user are identified and expressed as decision variables which are formulated using the engineering variables for materials, geometry and function. Then same consistent fuzzy satisfaction functions are formed over the desired ranges to suit the customer’s desires of mean and bias. The results show the most critical locations and allow fast checks of innovative remedies. Detailed FEM analyses ensure the optimality of the chosen concept.