An Experimental Study on the Effect of Bow Shape on the Seaworthiness of a Ship.

This experimental study concentrates on the effect of the above-water shape of a ships bow on the seaworthiness of the ship. Detailed measurements were made on four ship models, all of which had the same underwater hull form, that of the Series 600.60 parent. The four bows included the parent bow, a bow with practically no flare, a bow with very large flare and a bow with compound flare. All of the bows had the standard sheer line. The models were tested in regular head seas of moderately severe height, corresponding to waves with a height to length ratio of 140. The results showed that all four bow shapes had nearly identical added resistance in waves and nearly identical pitch transfer functions. Increases in the bow flare lead to reductions in the heave and relative water motion transfer functions. Detailed examination of the records indicated that the higher harmonic character of the pitch motions was also affected. Finally, it was determined that the vertical accelerations of the bow were minimized with the small flare bow.