Abstract
Ship design applications are carried out mainly by human experts who generally utilise computerised deterministic analysis techniques. Application of stochastic methods, and formalisation of heuristic methods in computer aided ship design have not been widely utilised yet. This work investigates whether such a heuristic method, namely expert system approach, can be satisfactorily applied into ship design. An expert system program package called ALDES (Accommodation Layout Design Expert System) was developed by using CLIPS expert system shell in order to asses the current approach. Preliminary dimensions of a container ship were calculated by a heuristic approach supported by a database of similar ships, empirical formulation, and deterministic analysis techniques. The hull was subdivided into main compartments by locating decks, double bottom, and transverse bulkheads. The number of crew was calculated by utilising manning regulations, then the superstructure layout was developed by assigning spaces for access, passageways, public and private rooms. Two cases were selected to test the current approach: firstly the effects of design heuristics were analysed in an evacuation analysis, and secondly a preliminary concept design for a fast containership was conducted. In conclusion, this study presents a case study approach in which an expert system is applied into ship design domain successfully with layout design emphasis.
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