Development of New Standard Manoeuvring Test Methodology at the Institute for Marine Dynamics

Abstract

For standard maneuvering experiments, the Institute for Marine Dynamics (IMO) has traditionally used the classic approach - deploying free running models executing standard maneuvers such as turning circles and zig zags in an ocean basin environment. The primary disadvantage of using free-running models is the large planar area required for experiments. Often this limits the model size to a scale not deemed suitable for resistance/propulsion experiments and in many cases resulted in the requirement for two physical models when carrying out a full experimental program for a new hull form. In 1991, the effective working area of IMD's Ocean Engineering Basin (OEB) was reduced due to the installation of wavemakers and beaches. Free running ship maneuvering experiments are now impractical except for very small models. This paper describes a new approach for carrying out standard maneuvering experiments under development by IMO that involves the derivation of hydrodynamic coefficients from Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM) experiments for input to a numerical simulation routine capable of generating standard ship maneuvers. An extensive experimental program was carried out to verify possible options in using PMM efficiently and to verify various testing configurations. The effort underway to build the analysis procedures into a compact site package, evaluate the methodology and develop a versatile on-line stand-alone analysis tool enabling immediate data verification and for complete on-line analysis is defined. Plans for validation the entire procedure against full-scale data are also described.