Calculation of Wave Forces During Ship Heave Motion

Ship heave motion represents one of the six typical degrees of freedom movements encountered during maritime navigation, primarily induced by wave actions. Accurate calculation of wave forces during heave is critical for ship design and safety assessment procedures.

Wave force computation typically relies on hydrodynamic principles, incorporating either potential flow theory or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies. Within the potential flow framework, wave forces can be resolved through frequency-domain or time-domain analysis, with Boundary Element Method (BEM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) serving as common numerical approaches. The computational process must account for vessel geometry, wave spectrum characteristics, and fluid-structure interaction mechanisms.

Practical implementation of heave wave force calculation programs generally involves these key algorithmic stages: Input Processing: Handles vessel geometric parameters, wave conditions (wave height, period), and Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) through structured data input functions. Hydrodynamic Solver: Employs numerical integration techniques to compute added mass, damping coefficients, and wave excitation forces using matrix-solving algorithms. Result Output: Generates heave force amplitude, phase characteristics, and dynamic response properties through specialized output modules.

Such computational systems find extensive applications in ship stability analysis, seakeeping performance evaluation, and offshore platform design. For engineers and researchers, precise wave force calculation forms the fundamental basis for ensuring vessel operational safety under severe sea conditions.