Intelligent 3D layout optimization design of ship engine room based on knowledge-based engineering

The layout design of ship engine room belongs to the multi-objective optimization design problem in confined space. This paper proposes an intelligent three-dimensional (3D) layout optimization design method of ship engine room based on the combination of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) and intelligent optimization algorithm. Firstly, the initial 3D layout scheme of engine room equipment is automatically obtained by the KBE method including knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation and knowledge reasoning. Then the multiobjective optimization of ship engine room layout is performed by the simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) to acquire the optimal design scheme. The classification rules of ship engine room are established to improve the efficiency of knowledge acquisition. The rule of adding the virtual area is proposed to control the equipment spacing. The parametric assembly is used to complete knowledge reasoning. Three expert verification rules including heeling moment, interference inspection and escape time are established for the generated layout scheme. Finally, a case study result verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The visualization and automation of the 3D layout for ship engine room are successfully realized.