Analytical methods to predict the surf-riding threshold and the wave-blocking threshold in astern seas

For the safe design and operation of high-speed craft it is important to predict their behaviour in waves. There still exists a concern, however, in the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with regards to the stability criteria. In particular, for high-speed craft, the higher limit of operational speed resulting in wave blocking as well as the lower limit known as the surf-riding threshold are important features. Therefore, by applying the polynomial approximation to wave induced surge force including the nonlinear surge equation, an analytical formula in order to predict the wave blocking and surf-riding thresholds is proposed. Comparative results of the surf-riding threshold and wave blocking threshold utilizing the proposed formula and the numerical bifurcation analysis indicate fairly good agreement. In addition, previously proposed analytical formulae are inclusively examined. It is concluded that the analytical formulae based on a continuous piecewise linear approximation and Melnikov’s method agrees well with the wave blocking threshold and the surf-riding threshold obtained by the numerical bifurcation analysis and the free-running model experiment. As a result, it is considered that these two calculation methods could be recommended for the early design stage tool for avoiding broaching and bow-diving.

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