Captive Model Tests for Assessing Maneuverability of a Damaged Surface Combatant with Initial Heel Angle

The present study is about the application of a four-degree-of-freedom (4DOF) maneuvering mathematical model based on Abkowitz’s model for assessing damaged ship maneuverability with initial asymmetry. A scaled model of the Office of Naval Research Tumblehome hull with a damaged compartment was used as the test model. Based on the survivability regulations for naval vessels, the damaged compartment was designed and located near the bow, such that it had an initial heel and trim. Static and dynamic captive model tests were performed on the damaged ship model to determine the maneuvering coefficients for the maneuvering mathematical model. Maneuvering simulations were carried out with the captive model test data and 4DOF maneuvering mathematical model. The advance speed in the maneuver reduced more in the damaged condition than in the intact condition, and maneuverability was severely degraded during starboard turning.