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Topology optimization for submerged buoyant structures

Picelli Sanches, Renato, van Dijk, R., Vicente, W.M., Pavanello, R., Langelaar, M. and van Keulen, F. 2017. Topology optimization for submerged buoyant structures. Engineering Optimization 49 (1) , pp. 1-21. 10.1080/0305215X.2016.1164147

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Abstract

This paper presents an evolutionary structural topology optimization method for the design of completely submerged buoyant modules with design-dependent fluid pressure loading. This type of structure is used to support offshore rig installation and pipeline transportation at all water depths. The proposed optimization method seeks to identify the buoy design that has the highest stiffness, allowing it to withstand deepwater pressure, uses the least material and has a minimum prescribed buoyancy. Laplace's equation is used to simulate underwater fluid pressure, and a polymer buoyancy module is considered to be linearly elastic. Both domains are solved with the finite element method. Using an extended bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method, the design-dependent pressure loads are modelled in a straightforward manner without any need for pressure surface parametrization. A new buoyancy inequality constraint sets a minimum required buoyancy effect, measured by the joint volume of the structure and its interior voids. Solid elements with low strain energy are iteratively removed from the initial design domain until a certain prescribed volume fraction. A test case is described to validate the optimization problem, and a buoy design problem is used to explore the features of the proposed method.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Engineering
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISSN: 0305-215X
Date of Acceptance: 17 February 2016
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2019 03:23
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/108184

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