Finite Element Simulations of Novel Submersible Design Based on the ASME Design-by-Analysis Approach

Tourist submersibles are a new class of underwater vehicles where new materials and innovative structural concepts are used. Because of the lack of experience with these innovative vessels, prescribed rules of classification societies are not directly applicable in their structural design. Thus, a novel design-by-analysis approach, as given in the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of ASME, is employed for dimensioning structural components. Design-by-analysis stands for a consistent set of loads, boundary conditions, modelling principles, failure modes, and safety factors if the finite element analysis is performed instead of using rule formulas. The approach has been used until now in the structural design and optimization of unconventional pressure vessels, while in this paper it is for the first time employed in structural design of the underwater vehicle. This study can serve as guidance for future applications of design-by-analysis in the development of the innovative structures exposed predominantly to the pressure loading.