A basis for developing a rational alternative to the weather criterion: Problems and capabilities

Abstract

The feasibility of developing a practical ship dynamic stability criterion based on nonlinear dynamical systems' theory is explored. The concept of "engineering integrity" and Melnikov's method are the pillars of the current effort which can provide a rational connection between the critical for capsize wind/wave environment, the damping and the restoring characteristics of a ship. Some discussion about the dynamical basis of the weather criterion is given first before describing the basic theory of the new method. Fundamental studies are then carried out in order to ensure the validity, the potential and the practicality of the proposed approach for stability assessment of ships in a wider scale. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.