Using simulation to evaluate cargo ship design on the LPD17 program

As part of the design of the next generation Naval Amphibious Transport Dock Ship (LPD17), simulation was used to evaluate the arrangement and flow of cargo on the ship and to integrate material flow concepts with the overall design requirements. The simulation model evaluated specific cargo load out scenarios to determine if the proposed material handling systems would satisfy specific mission criteria. The simulation was developed in 3D using a common database of CAD geometry to not only evaluate the throughput and utilization of proposed systems but also to verify that those systems could operate within the confined spaces of cargo ships. The model considered factors such as cargo type and arrangement, forklift speed, turning radius, elevator size, and elevator speed. The placement of cargo was driven from external files and a rule set was developed to allow for the automatic generation of an unload sequence. This paper focuses on the construction of the model, its data file flexibility, and the results of the missions evaluated during the project. It also discusses the role 3D simulation played in validating this model and communicating specific simulation results.