Enhancing passage efficiency in cabin spaces: A layout optimization approach for submarine integrating intelligent algorithms and passage capacity

Confined spaces in submarines pose a serious barrier to crew operations and mobility. To enhance internal passage efficiency in submarines, this study proposed the Passage Efficiency Driven Layout Optimization Strategy (PEDLOS), which considers passage capacity as a key factor. Congestion risks were identified using a passage simulation of the current simulated layout. After building a network of passage nodes, the shortest path matrix was computed by Dijkstra's algorithm, which also involved passage coefficients for revision. An optimal layout scheme that balanced circulation passage efficiency, adjacency, and circulation requirements was subsequently produced by multi-objective optimization based on genetic algorithm. The PEDLOS could provide an innovative approach to enhance internal passage efficiency and overcome the limitations of current layout methods that unduly rely on expert experience and overlook passage capacity drivers. The study provides theoretical and practical support for confined space design by incorporation of passage capacity as a major optimization indicator.