Abstract
To reduce the maximum stress around the hatch corner etc. without using local thick insert plate, a method of obtaining optimized shape of hatch opening is presented by means of a finite element method applied to two dimensional stress analysis and geometrical shape optimization of free edge of a perforated plate, where the effect of hatch coaming is neglected. In this procedure, geometrical constraints for hatch shape to make kept the opening zone and shape clear are taken into account. An example of the application to the optimization of hatch opening shape of an actual ship is shown.
