Optimization Based Concept Design for Autonomous Sailing Vessels

摘要

The design of autonomous vessels is associated with unique opportunities and challenges. As naval architects, we rely on 10,000+ years of collective experience in the design of manned boats. However, with the emergence of unmanned surface vessels, there may be benefits in modifying early design phase procedures, as these vessels will have fundamentally different requirements.The aim of this study is to devise and test a system optimization approach particularly aimed at autonomous vessels. A small-scale autonomous sailing surface vessel (Maribot Vane) has been used as a case study. This paper details the process of applying a multidisciplinary, multi-objective, reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) approach at the conceptual design stage of the Maribot Vane, in order to minimize the system cost and the probability of failure under anticipated operational conditions.The results will inform the designers of the new platform about the trade-offs between cost and reliability, as well as the optimal selection of main particulars for the detailed design stage and iiutilization of the hull design. Additionally, future autonomous ship design will benefit from the multi-disciplinary approach put forward in this paper, as it allows designers to rigorously explore optimal design concepts and tradeoffs and support key early-stage design decisions.