Multiple criteria optimization applied to high speed catamaran preliminary design

Abstract The demand for high-speed craft (mainly catamarans) used as passenger vessel has increased significantly in the recent years. Looking towards the future and trying to respond to the increasing requirement, high-speed crafts international market is passing through deep changes. Different types of high-speed crafts are being used for passenger transport. However, catamarans and monohulls have been the main choice not only for passenger vessel but also as ferryboat. Generally speaking, the efficient hydrodynamic hull shapes, engine improvements, and lighter hull structures using aluminum and composite materials make possible the increase in cruising speed. The high demand for catamarans are due to its proven performance in calm waters, large deck area compared to monohull crafts and higher speed efficiency using less power. Although the advantages aforementioned, the performance of catamaran vessels in wave conditions still needs to be improved. The high-speed crafts (HSC) market is demanding different HSC designs and a wide range of dimensions focusing on lower resistance and power for higher speed. Therefore, the hull resistance optimization is a key element for a high-speed hull success. In addition to that, trade-off high-speed catamaran (HSCat) design has been improved to achieve main characteristics and hull geometry. This paper presents a contribution to HSCat preliminary design phase. The HSCat preliminary design problem is raised and one solution is attained by multiple criteria optimization technique. The mathematical model was developed considering: hull arrangement (area and volume), lightweight material application (aluminum hull), hull resistance evaluation (using a slender body theory), as well as wave interference effect between hulls, calculated with 3D theory application. Goal programming optimization system was applied to solve the HSCat preliminary design. Finally this paper includes an illustrative example showing the mathematical model and the optimization solution. An HSCat passenger inland transport in Amazon area preliminary design was used as case study. The problem is presented, the main constrains analyzed and the optimum solution shown. Trade off graphs was also included to highlight the mathematical model convergence process.