Comparison of numerical and experimental results of nonlinear wave-induced vertical ship motions and loads

 A nonlinear time-domain procedure is presented which is used to calculate the vertical responses of a container ship advancing in head waves. The method assumes linear radiation forces represented by time convolution of memory functions, infinite frequency added masses, and radiation restoring coefficients. The nonlinear hydrostatic restoring and Froude–Krilov forces are computed exactly over the instantaneous wetted surface of the ship's hull. Forces due to green water on deck are calculated using the momentum method. Nonlinear effects are identified on different vertical ship responses, namely on the heave and pitch motions, the vertical accelerations, and the vertical bending moment. These non-linear effects are expressed by the variation of the transfer function with the wave amplitude, the higher-order harmonics of the time signals, the offset of the time series, and the asymmetry of the peaks. The numerical results and the quantified nonlinear effects are compared with experimental results showing an ability to reproduce the main nonlinear effects. Received: December 17, 2001 / Accepted: January 31, 2002