A Segmented Model Test of a Container Ship in Head Seas

Dynamic global hull girder response is an important part of the structural design of a ship, especially one with significant length and bow flare. Experimental studies were conducted at the University of New Orleans’ towing tank where a segmented model of a containership was tested in head seas and zero speed. Bending strain at 3 locations along the model’s hull was measured. The results showed peak sagging bending moment that is approximately 25% larger than the peak hogging bending moment at midship. Minor differences were found between positive heave amplitude and negative heave peaks. The results of the experiment were also compared to an “in-house” non-linear quadratic strip theory computer program. The experimental results compared quite well with the numerical results. The results of the experiments and computer program indicate that the dynamic bending moment response is predominantly a second-order effect and linear predictions are not sufficient.