Berthing Simulation Method for Fender System

For the design of marine fender systems, berthing and mooring forces should be taken into account. Berthing forces are considered in this paper. A unique berthing simulation method has been developed which consists of scaled fender models 100H to 200H (mm-height), multi-axis testing machine and computer. Using the simulation method, ideal rubber fenders can be developed. The first part of this study is focused on the type of rubber fender, considering various factors such as berthing velocity, shearing force, berthing position, hysteresis loss and external forces which occur during berthing. Both buckling and hyperbolic type fenders were selected for the study.