Modularization of ship engine room using design structure matrix (DSM) based on the genetic algorithm

Recently, the shipbuilding industry has been able to develop new production methods. These new methods promote design automation in order to produce ships more efficiently. The various production concepts, like block division, modularization and building ships with a standard design are possible solutions for improve production. Engine room design, including the piping system, is a complex process; therefore, modularization of its design is an effective strategy to minimize the complexity of the system. In addition, modularization plays an important role. This process requires a considerable number of man hours. This paper presents a new approach for engine room design based on the modularization concept. The characteristics of the proposed method are as follows: • Attention was paid to all piping systems of ship engine room. The cost and weight of the piping system were considered. • To define an effective module, a design structure matrix was adopted. • In the modularization using DSM, the Genetic algorithm is used to obtain modules by considering some constraints like number of pipe connections and pipe cost. This study discusses the details of the above mentioned methods. In addition, simulation test of design optimization of a several piping systems were carried out to illustrate the design optimization procedure in detail and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.