Approaches for evaluating dynamic stability in design

Abstract

There are many ways of treating dynamic stability. No single approach is always best, but must be defined relative to each design and each yields a fidelity proportionate to resources and technological maturity. During the ship design process choices must be made that balance the approach within a wide trade space encompassing ship design characteristics, operational doctrine, technical risk management, operational safety, cost and schedule. Existing static approaches do not directly account for ship dynamics. There is a clear need to develop a framework for integration of technical approaches into the ship design/acquisition process. The objective of this paper is to define a basis for outlining the range of intact dynamic stability methodologies that can be employed to naval ship design that address dynamic stability in such a way as to minimize technical and safety risks in an economical manner. The paper summarizes ongoing work by the Naval Stability Standards Working Group (NSSWG), and outlines relevant technical approaches suitable for employment on naval ship designs from preliminary/concept design stages through to operator guidance.