Prediction of viscous effects on a free floating barge's motion

In the offshore oil industry large sharp-edged barges are often utilised for transportation of structures and other large cargoes. The cargo safety and sea fastenings require an accurate prediction of motion responses of the barges induced by waves. Linear Potential Theory is used commonly to evaluate these motion responses. If the sharp edge induces local flow separation and consequent vortex shedding, the forces due to this viscous effects are significant and influence the accuracy of the potential flow forces and motion predictions. This thesis is concerned with developing "design curves and tables" containing the parameters for calculating the viscous effects on the motion responses prediction for a shallow draught flat-bottomed barge in beam waves. By the use of look up design curves and tables, the motion responses are easily evaluated. The results of this simplified method agree well with the original technique proposed by Bearman, et al (1984) which in tum agrees well with experiment.