EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CAPSIZING OF INTACT SHIPS IN HEAVY SEAS

Abstract

Abstract : Experiments intended to shed light on the mechanism of the capsizing of an intact ship in heavy seas are described. These experiments were carried out in San Francisco Bay using a radio controlled model of a cargo liner. Three capsizing modes were observed: low cycle resonance, pure stability loss, and broaching. All modes are seen to be strongly influenced by the effect of quartering or following seas in attenuating the ship's stability. Some conclusions are reached concerning the value of such experiments in predicting minimum stability standards.