Ship grounding model tests in a water tank: An experimental study

Ship grounding experiments are important benchmarks used to validate numerical analysis, analytical and empirical formulation. They are key to the understanding of damage mechanism. A set of small-scale ship model grounding tests over a sharp rock are conducted in a water tank considering the influence of surrounding water. Two damage modes are observed in the grounding tests, Mode I for discontinuous fracture/tear and Mode II for continuous fracture/tear. The horizontal grounding resistance forces, damage extents of ship bottom plates, and ship motions are recorded and discussed in detail. Moreover, the energy dissipation process of ship model during grounding process is analyzed based on the test results. The influence of the initial velocity, the initial relative height between the upper surface of the horizontal ship bottom plate and the rock tip, and the rock eccentricity on the ship motion response and structural damage are studied.

Automated summary

Ship grounding experiments are crucial for validating numerical analysis and theoretical formulations. In this study, small-scale ship model grounding tests on a sharp rock were conducted in a water tank to observe and record different damage modes, ship bottom plate damage extents, and ship motion. The test results were used to analyze the energy dissipation process and the influence of initial conditions on ship response and damage.