Ship Springing Response in Finite Water Depth

The influence of water depth on the vertical wave induced bending moment acting on a hull has been studied. The deep-water second-order nonlinear hydroelastic strip theory, which is based on the relative motion concept, has been generalized to account for a finite water depth. Results for an analytical beam and for a tanker ship are presented and discussed. Short-term load predictions that account for a range of different sea states are given for a tanker ship. As seen from the present study, the effect of intermediate water depth may be a significant factor in calculations of ship springing response.