Design of Distributed Ship Systems in the Early Stage Design of Complex Vessels Through a Submarine Example

Abstract

This paper builds upon the 2021 IJME publication by the same authors, which introduced the application of network theory to the design and evaluation of a simplified submarine power and propulsion system for early-stage ship design. The current work presents significant advancements from that initial investigation, detailing the UCL Network Block Approach (NBA). The NBA integrates the strengths of a proven 3D Computer Aided Ship Design (CASD) system’s architecture-driven approach using a network theory approach, specifically for the design of distributed ship service systems in complex vessels, demonstrated through a submarine case study. The proposed approach has now been validated through three design sensitivity studies, which examined variations at three levels: overall ship performance, main-level design styles, and micro-level design styles. The findings indicate that the NBA facilitates the holistic investigation of distributed ship service systems during early-stage ship design. Additionally, it enables naval architects and marine engineers to quickly size and balance energy requirements for different distributed systems and visualise the intricate structure of submarine systems within a 3D CASD environment and a 3D multiplex network layout. Furthermore, the NBA provides a basis for assessing the potential impacts of emerging technologies, such as the development of net-zero carbon based energy solutions for future naval vessels.