ABSTRACT
The focus of this paper is to introduce a novel approach to support ship conceptual design efforts. This approach leverages a baseline set of hull lines and systematically varies this hull to create a design space. This subsequent design space is evaluated for resistance and powering, stability, and seakeeping. This approach develops a robust design solution space. Evaluation of the space allows for the development of objective, quantifiable information in advance of a final hull form selection. This data directly supports multiple design science approaches such as Set-Based Design (SBD), Design Building Blocks (DBB), and Bin Packing Algorithms. These approaches to ship design provide solutions to design problems which are often subject to a high degree of uncertainty or late stage design changes. An attractive aspect of broad design space evaluation is the ability to concurrently develop design information at varying levels of fidelity using communication variables and set negotiations. This then allows the designer to assess and reduce the design space based on feasibility and dominance supported by objective evidence.
