ABSTRACT
This chapter examines “standard” scantling optimization approach on fixed topology to approach that investigates the influence of different topology variants on optimal structural scantlings. The majority of ship structural optimization papers are dealing with scantling optimization of fixed topology/geometry of midship section on relative simplified 2D section model. This approach is reasonable and sufficient for several ship types, where hull girder stress distribution mainly following beam theory. The Taguchi concepts and techniques could be used to systematically study influence of multiple topological parameters on the global structural response obtained by Finite Element Method analysis. Taguchi concepts have been developed as an engineering method of quality improvement referred as Quality Engineering or Robust Design. Taguchi method provides the designer with systematic and efficient approach to determine near-optimum settings of design parameters for specified design quality. Implementation of the proposed design methodology is presented in the example of simplified generic passenger ship structure - ISSC benchmark 2006.
