A development of data structure and mesh generation algorithm for whole ship analysis modeling system

In the whole ship structure and vibration analysis, the FEA (finite element analysis) model of whole ship structure is required in the early design stage before the 3D CAD model is defined. Because ship structure has a complex curved surface, and many associated structural members, the whole ship analysis modeling job has become a time consuming job. For the effective support of the whole ship analysis modeling, a method to generate the analysis model using initial design information within the ship design process, hull form offset data and compartment data, is developed. To easily handle initial design information and FE model information, a flexible data structure is proposed. An automatic quadrilateral mesh generation algorithm using initial design information to satisfy the constraints imposed by the ship structure is also proposed. With the proposed data structure and mesh generation algorithm, whole ship analysis modeling job for various ship types can be effectively supported and these results are presented.