KR Webzine Vol.150

1. Introduction
The ship design process consists of several processes such as initial/structural/detailed design, approval, production, and management, and suitable software is used for the purpose of each process. Each software has its own information, and these information are managed as specific file format. Therefore, data must be input according to the used software, and there is inconvenience that it need to input data for the same one.

Shipbuilding design has adopted the use of 3D CAD system for 10 years and it is possible to visualize realistic graphics and manage efficiently more information than past. In order to calculate rule requirements for classification approval, the information in shipyards CAD system should be entered into the classification software. These data consist of 3D modeling data which requires a lot of time when inputting, and data inconsistency can be caused due to user input errors. In addition, it is necessary to update the changed design scantling and property to the 3D CAD system after calculating requirements in the classification software. If whether such design iteration('Fig1') is repeated or in case of large vessel , it takes a lot of time and effort. To improve design efficiency and competitiveness, the development of a standard format that can increase data utilization has actively conducted by major classifications and CAD companies recently.

*SeaTrsut-HullScan : Software that supports calculation of the requirements of CSR and KR rule and released in 2014, it is widely used in shipyards and design offices.

KR has developed the KR standard format (KRStandardXML) to increase data utilization and enable software interface to improve work efficiency. And user library that can easily handle KRStandardXML will be provided.

2. Detail of KRStandardXML
KRStandardXML adopts XML(Extensible Markup Language) file for data storage. XML is a format intended for data transfer, and is the most widely used format. XML also has the advantage of being human readable even without dedicated software. XML data must be expressed in the same format for the same data. These expression rule is contained in schema file called XSD(XML Schema Definition) file. Users can identify the format and data contained in XML through schema files, and read/write XML file through XSD file. Even a schema file is defined, it is essential to develop a library in order to use XML file in software, and if the schema file is complex, it takes considerable difficulty and time to develop the library.

Therefore, user library for easy use of KRStandardXML is provided in place of schema file distribution. User can read/write KRStandardXML by using the library, and can easily develop related applications by employing the library in the software. 'Fig.2' shows work flow diagram of the library of KRStandardXML.

In the development of KRStandardXML, it is impossible to include all information related to the ship, so the first version of KRStandardXML includes necessary data which can carry on calculation of rule scantling via SeaTrsut-HullScan. The main data are arrangement, section including plate and stiffener, compartment, load, and corrosion(‘Fig. 3’). The information is expressed in the defined XML format, and the user can easily construct data and use for various purposes by the provided user library.

The most important thing in data sharing using standard format is to express and maintain original data without distortion. In order to check the data consistency, the calculation results of performing rule scantling in SeaTrust-HullScan on the original data and KRStandardXML had compared (‘Fig. 4’). The requirements of CSR is applied to each of bulk carrier and tanker, and the results are compared for section modulus, loading, yield stress evaluation, buckling analysis, and fatigue analysis. The exactly same results of CSR requirements is verified for all checked items. It is considered KRStandardXML can express equally the original data and keep data consistency.

3. Expected Effect
KR provides a variety of technical software for ship design and evaluation. Since each of these software has a unique format, it is impossible to share information between software. Now, data compatibility between software is possible using KRStandardXML, which can reduce data input time and increase utilization and work efficiency through interface between software.

 
KRStandardXML is an open format and can be used not only internally but externally, and is expected to significantly improve work efficiency through the interface between shipbuilding software and classification software. Data of most shipyard software and classification software is not compatible in spite of using the same modeling data of ship, so each software must be input and modified design information must be updated. These tasks require considerable time and can cause user input error. Using KRStandardXML, it is possible to greatly improve work productivity through linkage with external software and classification software, and at the same time to perform calculation and evaluation with keeping data consistency.

The first released version of KRStandardXML has data that can perform rule scantling, and plans to expand and update the format to meet the requirements. KR hope to enhance the user productivity and efficiency by strengthening the interface between software. In addition, KRStandardXML is expected that it can have positive synergy with collaboration between KR software and external software.