Full-scale manoeuvering trials simulation

Abstract

This paper describes the simulation of the behaviour of a ship in some of the most widely used sea trials: turning circle, pull-out, zig-zag, and direct and inverse spiral test. For the simulation, a full non-linear mathematical model with three degrees of freedom is used. The hydrodynamics coefficients used in the mathematical model were obtained from a physical scale model with a planar motion mechanism in a towing tank. The results obtained are satisfactory, supporting the proposal that these sea trial simulation tools should be used as an important part of the design stage in the building of a ship.