Reliability-Based Shipboard Facility Optimization

Abstract

This paper develops a methodology for reliability-based facility optimization (RBFO), that is, finding an optimum and reliable solution for a facility layout problem given a set of operational and resource constraints. The RBFO problem examined in this paper involves the TAKE class of ships being designed for the US Navy. The primary goal of the TAKE ships is to provide efficient underway replenishment (UNREP, or delivery of cargo to a deployed ship) of goods and ammunition to ships in the Navy's fleet. As a supply ship delivering goods to deployed ships, the TAKE must complete its mission in minimum cycle time with maximum reliability. The reliability constraints are practical cycle time limits based on Navy contractual requirements developed from existing ships. The proposed methodology combines branch and boundbased optimization, cargo simulation, and probabilistic reliability and sensitivity analyses. The methodology is demonstrated for application to a practical shipboard layout with realistic requirements.