关键词: 超大型油船, 底边舱折角点, 灵敏度分析, 智能优化算法

Abstract: Sensitivity analysis and optimization of design parameters were carried out for the key region of hopper knuckle connections in a very large crude carrier (VLCC), aiming to seek the optimal layout of hopper knuckle structures that meets the requirements of the common structural rules. A workflow for yield and fatigue assessment at hopper knuckle connections was first established. The effects of hopper knuckle plate angle, arc radius at the knuckle, and plate thickness on the stress level and fatigue life at the knuckle were studied using Latin hypercube design and orthogonal arrays. On this basis, an intelligent optimization algorithm was adopted to optimize the rounded lower knuckle connection, and the optimal design scheme was obtained. The sensitivity analysis results show that for the rounded lower knuckle connection, the thickness of the inner bottom plate is the most critical factor affecting the stress level, and the arc radius is the most critical factor affecting the fatigue life. The above analysis approach and optimization strategy can provide an empirical reference for the structural optimization design of hopper knuckle connections in similar vessels.

Key words: very large crude carrier(VLCC), hopper knuckle connection, sensitivity analysis, intelligent optimization algorithm