Automated Method for Developing Concept Level Fluid Distribution Systems

Decisions made at concept design have profound impacts on total life cycle cost. The industry trend is to apply automated software tools during concept design so larger numbers of alternatives can be evaluated and optimal, feasible solutions identified. Current ship concept design software tools lack the ability to synthesize physical layouts for shipboard distribution systems. Without sized and located distribution system models, it is not possible to fully validate the feasibility of the concept design and accurately estimate cost, weight, survivability, and other performance parameters. The problem is acute for ship cooling distribution systems because integrated electrical power systems and high-energy defense/combat weapons systems planned for future ships will require several times more thermal management. This gap can be eliminated by creating software tools to automatically generate detailed 3D models of ship distribution systems during concept design.Anchor Technology Inc. has developed innovative technology which can solve this problem, directly synthesizing, routing and analyzing distribution networks. The new technology will reduce costs associated with concept, preliminary and detail ship design, as well as total lifecycle costs. This project will develop an advanced prototype implementation of the technology and demonstrate it on a representative medium sized ship design.