Manoeuvring Model Tests

Model tests are important in the study of Ship Manoeuvrability. Free (free running) models are generally used to determine the overall manoeuvring characteristics while captive models are used to determine hydrodynamic derivatives. In using model tests to determine the hydrodynamic characteristics of a ship, it is necessary to consider the laws of similarity relating the behaviour of the model to the behaviour of the ship. The conduct of the various types of model tests is described in some detail. Model towing tanks, manoeuvring basins and rotating arm basins are the facilities used for manoeuvring model tests. The special equipment used in manoeuvring model tests includes the planar motion mechanism and the computerised planar motion carriage.