Design optimization of floating production storage and offloading platform (FPSO): A rational based approach

This research work is aimed at implementing the philosophy of rational based design towards a popular offshore structure FPSO by harnessing the power of ANSYS® APDL® (ANSYS Parametric Design Language). To accomplish this, a 03-cargo hold finite element model of FPSO was prepared using ANSYS® APDL^®. This APDL^® based model was then analysed in the light of ship structure rules and the response of the structure corresponding to typical load cases was evaluated. The resulting stresses were then compared with classic beam theory expressions. Finally, the structure was optimized using ANSYS® and the objective function of least weight was selected, while obeying the design constraints. It is observed that, there is a substantial weight savings, when the design is based on rational-based approach rather solely relying on the rule-based approach.