Mechanism study of cruise ship general arrangement design based on multidisciplinary integration: Part 1

  Objectives  The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanism of general arrangement (GA) design of large cruise ships as a contribution towards China's independent research and development of cruise ships.

  Methods  Given the characteristics and expansibility of GA design, this paper expounds on two design mechanisms from the perspective of multi-disciplinary integration. These are the analysis of the design mechanism of themed functional areas of cruise ships based on the principle of axiomatic design, and the knowledge engineering-oriented modular design . Taking cruise ships that are currently typical worldwide as examples, the degree of mechanism fitting is also analyzed.

  Results  The mapping law of themed functional area design from existing themed cruises to potential themed cruises can be obtained by establishing the relationship model between tourist's requirements and functional requirements; The cabin module of cruise decks can be effectively divided and the layout rules of cabin modules can be obtained by using a knowledge engineering-oriented modular design mechanism of cruise ships.

  Conclusions  This paper integrates the principle of axiomatic design and knowledge engineering-oriented modular design to explore the GA design laws of large cruise ships, which has an important guiding significance for the GA design of the cruise ships in China.