Uncertainty on the bending moment transfer functions derived by a three-dimensional linear panel method

The wave induced vertical bending moment, is one of the most important ships design load, can be predicted by numerical methods with different capabilities and by model tests. The uncertainty on the numerical methods can be evaluated against model test results for specific conditions and by comparing with the predictions of more established numerical methods. The present work investigates the uncertainty on the bending moment transfer functions derived by a three-dimensional linear panel method as compared with strip theory and experimental data from model tests. In this study a frigate model is adopted and the results obtained by the three-dimensional linear panel method are compared with the reported results, which were obtained using the strip theory and model tests. Frequency independent and dependent error models are adopted to take into account the uncertainty on the predictions of the three-dimensional linear panel method. It is shown that in this case the frequency independent model error is more adequate than the frequency dependent one to characterize the effect of uncertainty on bending moment transfer functions derived by the three-dimensional panel method.