Graduation Assignment Mechanical Engineering

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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...