A Process-Based Cost Estimating Tool for Ship Structural Designs.
Abstract
There is a significant need, and accompanying significant challenge, to concurrently consider performance, cost and production issues from the very beginning of the design process. The greatest obstacle to this approach is the lack of convenient and effective cost and performance models that can be integrated into a seamless design workbench accessible to working engineers. Traditional models and analysis methods frequently do not provide the sensitivity necessary to consider all the important variables impacting performance, cost and production. Unfortunately, achieving this sensitivity at the concept design stage almost requires a detail design level of analysis. Quick-look studies which currently are accomplished using parametric-based tools do not have this sensitivity. The traditional design method does not adequately include production engineering or material/supplier/logistical concerns early enough to have a substantive, positive impact on the design. Taking an integrated approach, and using computer aided cost, analysis and synthesis tools can mitigate these traditional design process failures. This thesis develops a method to integrate an existing naval ship concept design synthesis tool (ASSET) and a commercial finite element structural analysis program (MAESTRO), with refinements to an existing structural construction cost estimating program (NSRP 0398). The integration of these separate programs provides the designer with a method of assessing the process-based cost and performance impacts associated with certain structural and hull form parameters which affect or enhance producibility. The structural parameters considered here are plate thickness, variety and number of structural shape sizes, and the use of parallel mid-body. Hull form concepts considered include shear, camber, and gaussian curvature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA316027
Entities
People
- John M. Barentine
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology