Hydroelasticity and Wave Loads for a Full-Form Ship with Shallow Draft

A shallow-draft full-form ship is a particular type of ship with a breadth-to-draft ratio higher than is conventional. To investigate the characteristics of such full forms in response to hull vibrations induced by waves, a special computer program based on the hydroelasticity theory of ships has been developed. In addition, an experimental investigation using a segmented elastic-keel model of the ship has been carried out in order to verify the theoretical calculations. It is found from calculation of the wave loads that the dynamic responses of this specific hull form cannot be accurately predicted by strip theory. It is concluded therefore that hydroelasticity theory should be used in the design of the hull structure.