Florian Vesting

Development and application of optimisation algorithms for propeller design

Propeller design is a comprehensive task in finding the best trade-off between competing objectives and constraints. It requires a multi-disciplinary evaluation of the propeller performance based on various input parameters. Thus optimisation algorithm applied to this type of problem require consideration of the problem to solve. The purpose of this paper is hence the improvement of commonly used population-based algorithms (NSGA-II and PSO) towards the application of marine propeller design. The extension to three algorithms are outlined utilising meta models, adapted constraints and modified constraints handling. The proposed algorithms are applied on a real-life marine propeller example. Results of 13 optimisations are compared in terms of optimisation convergence, constraints compliance and Pareto optimality and show advantageous performance of the developed cavitation constraints and the meta-model extended NSGA-II.

A case study of user adherence and software project performance barriers from a sociotechnical viewpoint

A marine propeller company and a technical university collaborated to optimize the company’s existing propeller design software. This paper reviews the project based on a sociotechnical perspective to organizational change on (a) how the university-company project and user involvement were organized, and (b) what the main management barriers were and why they may have occurred. Fieldwork included interviews and observations with university and company stakeholders over thirteen months. The data was analyzed and sorted into themes describing the barriers, such as lack of a planned strategy for deliverables or resource use in the project; the users exhibited low adherence towards the optimized software, as well as there was limited time and training allocated for them to test it. Lessons learned suggest clarifying stakeholder roles and contributions, and engaging the users earlier and beyond testing the software for malfunctions to enhance knowledge mobilization, involve them in the change and increase acceptance.

Methods for the Aerodynamic Optimisation of Mega-yachts

Abstract Ships feature superstructures and components with steps, recesses and styling surfaces that lead to flow separation. A favourable air flow becomes a design criterion, particularly for mega-yachts and cruise ferries. For instance, exhaust gases should be kept from passengers and crew. This paper shows how Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be coupled for aerodynamic design. An example of a mega-yacht is studied. Systematic refinements were undertaken to clarify the levels of detail necessary for resolving geometry and fluid domain. Subsequently, the funnel was optimised in order to improve emissions.