A new method for absolute datum transfer in seafloor control network measurement

To decrease the time consumption and the labor intensity in the absolute datum transfer of traditional seafloor control network measurement, a new method, namely sailing-circle positioning method, is put forward in this paper. First, the traditional intersection positioning model is improved by considering the equivalent sound velocity profile error as an unknown parameter in the adjustment model. Second, the effect of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) on positioning accuracy is analyzed. By seeking for the minimum of GDOP, it is concluded that the absolute datum transfer can achieve the highest accuracy in the condition of sailing along a circle relative to other sailing paths. Moreover, the optimal radius of the circle for the accurate datum transfer is also given out. Besides, the correlation between the accuracy of datum transfer and the sound velocity error in this method is analyzed. Finally, the new method was tested and verified by the experiments in Songhua lake with the water depth of 60 m and in South China sea with the water depth of 2000 m, respectively. These experiment results show that the new method can improve the accuracy and efficiency of traditional datum transfer method significantly.     

Advantages of twin rudder system with asymmetric wing section aside a propeller

This study presents a new twin rudder system with asymmetric wing section, aside a propeller, as a new category energy saving device (ESD) for ships. The energy saving principle of the new ESD, which is called “Gate rudder”, is described and its applicability on a large bulk carrier is explored using experimental and numerical methods. The study makes emphasis on the cost-effectiveness of the proposed ESD and presents a potential energy saving up to 7–8 % with the new device as well as an attractive return investment in 0.37–0.9 year. These estimations are based on the conventional powering methods, whereas the accuracy of the ESD design method is confirmed by model test measurements.     

Oriented review to potential simulator for faults modeling in diesel engine

This paper presents a literature review on most of the faults and their models that are considered on a diesel engine. Several faults that may be produced on diesel engine have been analyzed, classified, modeled, and their influences on the global system have been shown. Thus, this paper aims to prepare an important data base on diesel engine faults which may help researchers to develop precise strategies on diesel engine fault diagnosis and prognosis, and also it helps in the development of diesel engine simulators aiming to study the behavior of the diesel engine in the presence of faults. Different fault models such as analytical, empirical, degradation models which may be represented as function of time or as function of the number of cycles, data driven models such as neural network models, or simply constant are presented and analyzed. The global overall models for diesel engine integrating faults are expressed. And finally, the use of these models with the most common failure density distribution functions is proposed giving a more realistic approach to our study.     

New procedure for the analysis of speed trial results,with special attention to the correction of tidal current effect

Almost all the existing analysis methods of speed trial results were proposed before 1970s, and the actual analysis procedures are very old-fashioned with instructions like “plot the results on a chart and draw a smooth mean line”, “read a value from the mean line” and so on. Such instructions not only show up the analysis procedures old-fashioned, but also make them very ambiguous and unclear. They should be up-dated to a method which is clear not only in logic but also in calculation procedure, and also fits the present computing technology. At first, the author reviewed the major analysis methods and concluded that the logic of the up-dated analysis procedure can be composed of the logics of the existing ones. Then, the analysis procedure is composed of three stages; namely (1) correction of power and propeller revolution to the ones corresponding to no air condition, (2) correction of tidal current effect, and (3) correction of power and propeller revolution to the ones corresponding to no wind condition. For the stages (1) and (3), there seems to be no big issue except the estimation of the amount of environmentally added resistance in the stage (1). Then, the author focused on the correction of tidal current effect in this paper. For the correction of tidal current effect, the author considers the essential points for the up-date are in the direction of finding out appropriate functions for the variation of tidal current velocity and the ship speed through the water. Then, he investigated to find out such functions and made his proposal. Finally, the applicability of the new procedure is assessed by the analysis of simulated speed trial results of a VLCC.     

Some insights in novel risk modeling of liquefied natural gas carrier maintenance operations

This study discusses the analysis of various modeling approaches and maintenance techniques applicable to the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier operations in the maritime environment. Various novel modeling techniques are discussed; including genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic and evidential reasoning. We also identify the usefulness of these algorithms in the LNG carrier industry in the areas of risk assessment and maintenance modeling.     

Enabling a viable technique for the optimization of LNG carrier cargo operations

In this study, we optimize the loading and discharging operations of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier. First, we identify the required precautions for LNG carrier cargo operations. Next, we prioritize these precautions using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and experts’ judgments, in order to optimize the operational loading and discharging exercises of the LNG carrier, prevent system failure and human error, and reduce the risk of marine accidents. Thus, the objective of our study is to increase the level of safety during cargo operations.     

Modeling and simulation of a counter-rotating turbine system for underwater vehicles

The structure of a counter-rotating turbine of an underwater vehicle is designed by adding the counter-rotating second-stage turbine disk after the conventional single-stage turbine. The available kinetic energy and the absorption power of the auxiliary system are calculated at different working conditions, and the results show that the power of the main engine and auxiliary system at the counter-rotating turbine system matches well with each other. The experimental simulation of the lubricating oil loop, fuel loop, and seawater loop are completed right before the technology scheme of the counter-rotating turbine system is proposed. The simulation results indicate that the hydraulic transmission system can satisfy the requirements for an underwater vehicle running at a steady sailing or variable working conditions.     

A simulation-based probabilistic design method for arctic sea transport systems

When designing an arctic cargo ship, it is necessary to consider multiple stochastic factors. This paper evaluates the merits of a simulation-based probabilistic design method specifically developed to deal with this challenge. The outcome of the paper indicates that the incorporation of simulations and probabilistic design parameters into the design process enables more informed design decisions. For instance, it enables the assessment of the stochastic transport capacity of an arctic ship, as well as of its long-term ice exposure that can be used to determine an appropriate level of ice-strengthening. The outcome of the paper also indicates that significant gains in transport system cost-efficiency can be obtained by extending the boundaries of the design task beyond the individual vessel. In the case of industrial shipping, this allows for instance the consideration of port-based cargo storage facilities allowing for temporary shortages in transport capacity and thus a reduction in the required fleet size / ship capacity.     

Experimental study on reflection coefficient of curved perforated plate

A set of experiments is carried out in a towing tank to study the effects of the curvature of perforated plates on the wave reflection coefficient (C _r ). The curvature of a perforated plate can be changed by rotating a reference perforated plate aboutits origin according to the parabolic equation y=?x ². A plunger-type wave maker is used to generate regular waves. The reflection coefficients are calculated using Goda and Suzuki’s (1976) method. The results are compared with those of vertical or sloped passive wave absorbers. The comparison shows that a perforated plate with a curved profile is highly efficient in terms of reducing the wave reflection coefficient. A correlation is established to estimate the reflection coefficient of curved perforated plates as a function of both flow and geometry characteristics.