Verification and Optimization of Advanced Finite Element Modeling Techniques for Complex Submarine Hull Structures

This NAVSEA PhaseII SBIR proposal describes thetechnical objectivesand work plan toward thecreation ofamanual of finiteelement modeling(FEM) procedures forcomplexsubmarine hull structures,with accuracy validated through analysisand testing. The proposed approach builds on thefeasibilityefforts of PhaseI usingFEM analysis, testvalidation,sensitivity studies, index problemsand industry ōbest practicesö. Theanalysis tasks identifyFEMmodelingcriterialimitations specificto complexsubmarinegeometryand provideguidanceto insurecorrect interpretation ofanalysis results. Testvalidation plansareidentified, includingreduced-scalerisk mitigation testing within Phase II. The proposed objectiveand work plan show a path toward development ofaFEMmanual forcomplexsubmarine hull structures,which will avoid costand schedule overrunscaused byanalysis method conflicts between the DON technical communityand submarine design yards. Theresultingmanual can beextended forcommercial useto theshipbuilding, oilexploration and other industries.