Concurrent Multi-Component Optimization of Stiffened-Plate Yacht Structures

Optimisation has become a necessary tool when designing competitive high-performance composite yachts. The inherently complex material characteristics of composite materials mean there must be careful consideration of laminate and structural design to withstand loading and meet efficiency demands. An optimisation scheme has been developed that allows structural engineers to generate globally optimised yacht structures. This paper investigates a more holistic approach to designing large multi-part composite structures using concurrent genetic algorithm optimisation tools, which will allow designers to understand the effect of optimisation on the decision-making and design processes. Specifically, how can better design decisions be influenced by incorporating tools that augment an experientially based complex composite structural design process? The tool developed concurrently optimises laminate architecture and the arrangement of and number of stiffeners that make up a stiffened-plate geometry such as that seen in a typical yacht structure.