Nonlinear Time-Domain Simulation of Fishing Vessel Capsizing in Quartering Seas

Ship design practice has been to measure stability by static criteria and to compensate for dynamic effects through a margin of safety. However, there is a fundamental difference between static and dynamic stability. Certain factors that result in favorable static stability characteristics may actually present greater danger when considered in light of a dynamic analysis. Traditional linear strip theory methods are not suitable for assessing ship capsizing. The main objective of the present project has been to investigate the capabilities of the 3-D nonlinear time domain Large Amplitude Motion Program LAMP for the evaluation of fishing vessels operating in extreme waves. The projects focus was building upon the previous LAMP development and extending it to the modeling of maritime casualties, including a time domain simulation of a ship capsizing in stern quartering seas. This modeling capability will allow both the analysis of recorded casualties and the identification of potential safety concerns.