Nonlinear Dynamics of Close Proximity Ship Towing

Abstract

The goal of this study is to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of two ships in close proximity towing. The sway and yaw dynamics of both the leading and the trailing ships were included in the formulation. Previous studies were restricted to a linear analysis, which can accurately predict the regions of stability and instability for the system. The mechanism of loss of stability can be assessed with a systematic nonlinear analysis. The analysis is based on Taylor series expansions of the equations of motion up to third order terms. It is shown that the primary loss of stability occurs in the form of Hopf bifurcations to periodic solutions. A nonlinear stability coefficient was calculated which allows characterization of the stability properties of the resulting limit cycles. The results indicate the effects of ship separation and towing tension on motion stability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA410997

Entities

People

  • Murat Korkut

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Coefficients
  • Computational Science
  • Directional
  • Dynamics
  • Eigenvalues
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Instability
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Military Applications
  • Military Research
  • Nonlinear Analysis
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Ships
  • Systems Engineering

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.