Engineering the sea's next generation
This project aims to optimize the weight of composite panels. Here we have two sections. Using Composite Panel Evaluator, you can calculate the pressure on single-skin composite panels at the bottom of a Fiberglass (GRP) hull on a motor-yacht, with respect to the position of the panels along the length of the vessel.
You already have the pressure value? Great, enter the value manually and continue to implant your laminate configuration to be assessed. Using the Composite Panel Evaluator, you can find critical properties for your composite panel and assess them under the designated pressure.
You don't have a prepared configuration? No problem! Using the Genetic Algorithm Generator, you can find your optimal laminate configuration based on your preference and industrial availabilities. The generator returns the lightest composite panels in accordance with ISO 12215-5:2019.
Enter your vessel's specifications. Enter the panel specifications. Pressure can be calculated for multiple panels at the same time.
Enter pressure, panel dimension and laminate configuration. One panel can be assessed at a time.
View comprehensive analysis results including stress distribution, failure criteria, and compliance verification.
Designate the number of plies based on your preference, then enter the pressure and the panel dimensions. Select the ply types you want to include in your configuration.
Use Fixed Composition mode if you already have an order of ply types in mind.
Use Customized Configuration when you want to fully define the laminate according to your resources and preferences.
These tools work together to provide a complete composite panel optimization workflow: from pressure calculation and composite panel evaluation to finding the lightest optimal configurations that meet ISO 12215-5:2019 standards and industrial requirements.
Time is as gold, we have all heard of this phrase. To save time, is to reduce costs, and this project is designed to do exactly that, by automating calculation processes.
Automation of calculation processes needs a certain time investment in the beginning, yet returns value to the engineering team on a daily basis when put in practice. Normally, detailed rule-based calculation can take several hours, and every time this process needs to be repeated and adjusted according to relative constraints. With help of automation we can see how much time is saved in this process, with just a few clicks a laminate composition can be analyzed with high precision and adaptions can be made within minutes.
Using the Genetic Algorithm, both time and costly material can be used conservatively, while the structural integrity of our design is preserved. Engineers are given multiple options during each run of the Genetic Algorithm to choose from, based on their judgement, while realistically producing such high variation of valid configurations can take noticeable amount of time.
This is only a fraction of the power of automation. There are still many areas in which we can automate engineering and calculation processes. For future development of this project, the first step is to add pressure calculations for side-panels above the water line. Next step is to introduce Sandwich composites to the optimization process. These enhancements will unlock even greater efficiency, and we are still only exploring a fragment of the possibilities.
If you wish to learn more about the logic of the Genetic Algorithm feel free to read the documentation below.
I am Ghazal Hafezi, a naval architect and engineer passionate about smart design. I work across marine and mechanical projects, optimizing vessel structures, developing innovative solutions, and tackling complex engineering challenges. I welcome collaborations where expertise and creativity can shape efficient and forward-thinking solutions.