An approach to the validation of ship flooding simulation models

Abstract

A methodology has been developed to validate a Ship Flooding simulation tool. The approach is to initially validate the flooding model and the vessel model separately and then couple the two models together for the final step in the validation process. A series of model tests have been undertaken and data obtained has been utilised as part of the validation process. Uncertainty in the model test measurements and the geometry of the physical model play a crucial role in the validation process. Therefore, an important element is an assessment of the uncertainties that play a role in this process together with how they propagate and eventually influence the end result. The aim was to develop a practical engineering approach trying to use the data that was available and making educated guesses where it could not be avoided. It is by no means intended to be a full-fledged theoretical elaboration on uncertainty propagation. This paper provides an overview of the methodology adopted for the validation of the ship flooding simulation tool and presents some of the preliminary results from this study.