Axiomatic design approach for marine design problems

The axiomatic design approach proposed by N.P. Suh consists of the Independence Axiom and the Information Axiom. The Independence Axiom assists a designer in generating good design alternatives by considering the relationships between the functions and the physical product using a hierarchical mapping procedure. The Information Axiom, which is related to the probability of achieving the given functional requirements, can be used as a criterion for the selection of the best solution among the proposed alternatives in the conceptual or preliminary design stage. In the early stages of marine design, especially ship design, there exists a lot of uncertainty because of the size and complexity of a marine vehicle. This uncertainty often leads to a probabilistic approach rather than a deterministic approach. Ship designs are often routine, requiring small modifications of an existing, successful design. The availability of axiomatic design in this marine design field has been investigated through four examples: a conceptual thruster design, a foil-strut optimization problem, a main engine selection problem, and a barge design problem. By these examples, the possibility of the application of Design Axioms in marine design has been illustrated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.