Optimized design and structural analysis of a non-pressurized manned submersible

Abstract

This thesis presents an approach to the structural design and optimization of a non-pressurized manned submersible (NPMS), a type of fully "flooded" submersible based on a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Design Concept. Using the design parameters determined by the mathematical model, a solid model was generated and an ANSYS goal-driven optimizer was used to further optimize the hull weldment and variable ballast tanks. When three different designs were subsequently evaluated to verify the parametric model and the scalability of the NPMS design concept, all three were found to be able to be successfully generated and to meet the stated design requirements after ANSYS optimization. These findings indicate that the approach presented in this thesis can be used as an initial design tool in the future design of NPMSs.