Computer Simulation Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of Moored Vessels

Introducing uniform tidal current forces, wind forces and steady second order wave forces, motion mathematical model of three degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) of mooring systems is established based on a nonlinear three order vessel maneuvering mathematical model, which includes the surge, sway and yaw motions of the moored vessels. Computer simulation models of 3-DOF motions of mooring systems are built using the motion mathematical model. Time domain simulations are carried out with three ships exposed to current, a tanker exposed to current and wind and a tanker exposed to wind, waves, and current, respectively. It is found that there are strong nonlinear characteristics in motion responses of moored ships. It is also shown that the case in which the moored vessels are exposed to head wind, waves and current is perhaps not the most dangerous for single point mooring vessels.