Validation of 6-DOF motion simulations for ship turning in regular waves

In this study, a six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion simulation method of a ship steering in regular waves is validated. The proposed simulation model is based on the two-time scale concept where the 6-DOF motions are expressed as the sum of the low-frequency maneuvering motions and high-frequency wave-induced motions. Turning simulations of a KCS container ship model with a rudder angle of +/- 35 degrees in calm water and regular waves are performed and the obtained results are compared with the results of a free-running model test. The model tests were conducted using a ship model of length 3.057 m in a square tank at the National Research Institute of Fisheries Engineering, Japan. The wave conditions were as follows: the wave height was 3.6 m at full-scale, ratio of wavelength to ship length was 1.0, and the ship approached in the head wave direction before it was steered. The present method can simulate both the turning motion and wave-induced motions in regular waves with practical accuracy.