A local mesh reconstruction method for layout and scantling optimization of FPSO internal turret area structure

This paper proposes a local mesh reconstruction method designed for generating the finite element (FE) analysis model in the context of simultaneous layout and scantling optimization. The FE model is automatically built by inheriting the topology and property information of the prepared initial finite element (FE) analysis model. A framework of optimization integrating the mesh reconstruction process is set up through the ISIGHT platform based on MATLAB code and MSC.PATRAN&NASTRAN. The capability and effectiveness of the method are demonstrated on the optimization of a typical internal turret area for the mooring system of FPSO. The thickness of plates and the layout of web-frames are optimized to minimize the structural weight of the turret area subjected to yield stress constraints. The optimization result presents the potential application of the proposed method in layout and scantling optimization of the FPSO internal turret area structure.