Topology optimization for submerged buoyant structures

R. Picelli, R. van Dijk, W.M. Vicente, R. Pavanello, M. Langelaar, F. van Keulen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)
130 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-21
JournalEngineering Optimization
Volume49
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Bibliographical note

Accepted Author Manuscript

Keywords

  • BESO method
  • buoyancy
  • buoyant structures
  • subsea buoyancymodules
  • Topology optimization

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Topology optimization for submerged buoyant structures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this