OPTIMUM DESIGN OF BULK-CARRIER MIDSHIP SECTION WITH DnV RULE CONSTRAINTS AND DOUBLE BOTTOM STRENGTH ASSESSMENT AS AN ORTHOTROPIC PLATE

Abstract

DWKO computer program used for structural optimization of bulk-carrier midship section was developed at Ship Design and Research Centre (CTO) during realization of purpose project administered by Gdynia and Szczecin Shipyards with financial support of Scientific Research Committee, entitled: "Developing and implementation of optimization in preliminary ship structural design". Program DWKO runs together with SHIPC system developed at Technical University of Szczecin under commission of CTO. Zone strength of double bottom is determined according to the orthotropic plate theory developed by O. F. Hughes [1], A nonlinear programming methods (Tangent Search Method) is used for structural optimization. Examples of practical application of DWKO program to pre-contract design are described in this paper.