Dynamic performance of towed vessels employing nonlinear rudder control under adverse weather conditions

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Krikelis, N.J. | Kavouras, D.

Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

Abstract: A dynamic nonlinear model of a ship towed by a nonlinear elastic rope in the presence of sea current, wind and waves is formulated. Then, a nonlinear rudder controller is proposed for the towed vessel in order to limit its lateral motion in a narrow strip. The efficiency of the proposed controller is investigated through extensive simulations of three types of vessels, viz. a barge, a mariner and a tanker. The results obtained confirm that rudder control can be a great advantage in the sway and yaw motion of the towed vessel and on the tension of the elastic towrope under various adverse weather conditions.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1986-3338301

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 33, no. 383, pp. 114-126, 1986