A Study on the Multi-Objective Optimization Method of Brackets in Ship Structures

The shape and size optimization of brackets in hull structures was conducted to achieve the simultaneous reduction of mass and high stress, where the parametric finite element model was built based on Patran Command Language codes. The optimization procedure was executed on Isight platform, on which the linear dimensionless method was introduced to establish the weighted multi-objective function. The extreme processing method was applied and proved effective to normalize the objectives. The bracket was optimized under the typical single loads and design waves, accompanied by the different proportions of weights in the objective function, in which the safety factor function was further established, including yielding, buckling, and fatigue strength, and the weight minimization and safety maximization of the bracket were obtained. The findings of this study illustrate that the dimensionless objectives share equal contributions to the multi-objective function, which enhances the role of weights in the optimization.