THE EFFECTS OF HULL FORM VARIATIONS ON THE ROLL DAMPING OF WARSHIPS

ABSTRACT The results of a study to identify warship hull form characteristics which maximize roll damping are described. The two main hull form characteristics which influence the roll damping of warships at the cruise speed are the separation of the appendages from the centre of gravity, and the form of the bilge. The influence of other hull characteristics is much less important. To maximize roll damping for a given set of appendages, the hull should be designed with a small bilge radius, and with the appendages located as far as possible from the centre of gravity. An example is given of two hulls with identical values of , B/T, CB, Cw, and CP with significantly different roll responses. These parameters should be chosen to optimize the pitch and heave characteristics of ships, and the bilge radius should be minimized to reduce roll.