Multi Objective Optimization under Uncertainty for Catamaran Preliminary Design

The decision tools for high speed craft HSC design have improved due to the increasing computer ability to treat more complex problems. Genetic algorithms and multi objective problems where the mathematical models used are complex and take computer time to evaluate and select the feasible designs are very common nowadays. Uncertainty also is very frequent in high speed vessel design variables and parameters. For example, many HSC have to reduce the speed in some traffic areas or night sail and the value of the reduced speed and the distance necessary to sail in a lower speed could be treated as uncertainty variables. Robust optimization problems arise where there are uncertainties involving the data or the model. The presence of uncertainty is due to errors in measuring, or difficulties in sampling, or moreover can depend on events and effects in the future that cannot be known with certainty. The paper highlights the application of multi objective optimization with uncertainty for high speed passenger catamaran design decision making.