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Topology optimization of a cutter head design

A cutter suction dredger (CSD) is a stationary dredge vessel. The vessel utilizes a cutter head, to cut and suspend the soil for hydraulic transport. The hydraulic transport is arranged via one or more dredge pumps. Cut material is transported via pipelines and discharged to a deposit area, at sea or inland. In some cases, hopper barges moored alongside the cutter suction dredger transport the soil to the deposit area to unload it there.

Whilst operating, CSD are stationary dredgers. During operation, a spud(pole) on the back of the vessel is lowered in the seabed to secure the vessel. The spud acts as a rotating point, around which the vessel can sway, side to side using winches and anchors. During this sway motion the cutter head, mounted on a ladder at the front of the vessel, is lowered to the seabed. The cutter head rotates which results in cutting and removing of the soil.

Cutter head body

Cutter heads are being used in the most demanding operations and environment and are exposed to high forces and wear conditions. The current design is a result of historic calculations (i.e. FEA), practical knowledge and rules of thumb. It has a typical swept shape, practically unchanged the last decades.

There is a continuous challenge to design strong but also light weight components. Mainly because a component with a lighter weight also results in a reduction of component and operational costs.

Assignment

Within Royal IHC topology optimization has not been on applied on dredging equipment yet. However, because of the foreseen benefits Royal IHC is interested in making use of this technique.

Using topology, the result can be a completely different cutter head body (shape/size).

Together with 21st century production technologies, this might result in improved products.

The following areas of investigation are foreseen:

We offer: