Automated scantling optimization of ships’ midship transverse frame in concept design phase

This paper concerns the scantling optimization of a vessel’s midship transverse frame during the conceptual design phase. The main focus of the present research is to demonstrate an automated optimization process for a typical midship transverse frame of RoPax vessel which has been developed within the framework of EU HOLISHIP project (2016-2020). To this end, a number of existing tools along with their new script/batch-mode developments (namely STEEL®, a tool from Bureau Veritas for the structural strength assessment of primary transverse frames, and modeFRONTIER® as the optimization tool) as well as some new in-house tools/modules (e.g. Rule Infringement Indicator, Weight/CG Calculator) have been integrated under an automated iterative routine.