Overview
Large Scale Computer Simulation Modeling System Enhancements (2010-623)
Project Team:
- General Dynamics NASSCO
- Transystems
- Atlantec Enterprise Solutions
- Penn State Applied Research Laboratory
May 2010 - December 2011
NSRP ASE Investment: $1.07M
Industry Investment: $909K
Objective:
Develop three new Large Scale Modeling and Simulation (LSMS) capabilities: 1. Extend the range and capability of analyses possible with the current LSMS system; 2. Automate manually intensive tasks, reducing analysis cost and input errors while utilizing the processing time of off-shift hours; and 3. Increase analysis accuracy and confidence through scenario optimization over a larger landscape and through the application of real- world variability.
Summary:
The LSMS simulates both current and future production workloads through a shipyard-wide manufacturing simulation model with the intention of identifying production bottlenecks and enabling the user to quickly identify improved production plans and necessary facility/resource requirements.
This project added new capabilities to the LSMS including:
- Optimization software using meta-heuristic procedures to guide the computer optimization processes unattended
- Rule sets and software for automated assembly definition and typing
- Parametric scaling software for product work content generation of new ship designs
- Enhanced user interfaces for new facility modeling and assembly definition capabilities
- Enhanced database management techniques for new capabilities
Many positive impacts were realized with the implementation of the enhancements, including the ability to analyze the shipyard as a system, to analyze the shipyard at a level of detail beyond the ability of spreadsheet-based analysis methods and to better optimize a baseline scenario by investigating a much larger set of potential scenarios using a network of computers, unattended and operating in parallel with guiding optimization algorithms, rather than through manual iteration. Additionally, the software now has the ability to create detailed representations of potential new ship designs, is able to understand how real-world variability will affect the planned outcome of a scenario and provides the ability to grow and update over time to suit the needs of the shipyard through its modular design.
It was estimated by the project team that the implementation of the LSMS system can reduce recurring labor analysis costs by up to 75%. While this is significant, even greater savings are achieved with implementation of the simulation analysis findings. The greatest impact on efficient Navy ship construction being in the areas of: identification and elimination of bottlenecks across the integrated shipbuilding system, developing optimum labor assignments across the shipyard, and “right-sizing” facilities to meet production demand with appropriate capital investments.
Key Deliverables:
Final Report – Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Point of Contact:
Jeffrey Schaedig, General Dynamics NASSCO