Multi-objective optimisation of a container ship lashing bridge using knowledge-based engineering

Lightweight design and vibration damping design of the lashing bridge are deemed as two critical issues having nagged designers. The application of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) technology to intelligent design and optimisation can be divided into four steps. The first step is to construct a knowledge base system. In the second step, the design variables are chosen and the intelligent design is achieved by applying the knowledge base to structural models and checking structural reasonability. Strength analysis and vibration response analysis are also conducted in the third step, and the appropriate optimisation design flow and the optimisation algorithm are constructed. The last step is to apply KBE technology to the multi-objective optimisation process to get the best-optimised design. The design and optimisation results show that KBE-based design method ensures the reasonability, economy and safety of the design structure, and dramatically improves the design efficiency.