In this thesis multiple controllers are developed which command a small boat with twin tied outboard motors to hold a desired position. In the process of developing a controller to hold a position, controllers were first developed which follow a desired heading or path over ground with the motors outputting constant thrust. These heading and path following controllers were tuned and tested in a numerical simulation, then validated on the R/V Lee and Ocean Power vessels through sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean. After successful path following trials were performed, station keeping algorithms were developed and tuned in the numerical simulation, now with heading and thrust of the vessel both being variables to be controlled. After tuning in the numerical simulation, the Ocean power vessel was outfitted with systems for controlling throttle and steering with sea trials conducted in the Atlantic Ocean for station keeping. / by Aaron D. Fisher. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Abstract not available

A parametrically forced, single-degree-of-freedom equation modelling ship roll is investigated through the numerical study of invariant manifolds, Me1nikov's method, and transient basins. The calculation of the manifolds is facilitated through the development of a sophisticated algorithm for approximating the locations of the saddle points of the Poincaré map. For selected fixed values of the restoring-moment and damping parameters (the "base case"), the manifolds of the saddles of the Poincaré map are repeatedly computed for increasingly higher excitation amplitudes until homo clinic , heteroclinic, and mixed manifold intersections are observed. The critical amplitudes at which these tangles first occur are accurately predicted by Melnikov's method, verifying its viability as a tool for analyzing ship roll. Corresponding transient basins indicate that fractally mixed regions of stable and unstable initial conditions appear with the onset of transverse manifold intersections. For parametric forcing, the fractal areas are symmetric about the origin and do not significantly affect the integrity of the safe region near the origin. Test cases involving external or combined external-plus-parametric excitation result in asymmetric transient basins and, following the appearance of manifold tangling, a catastrophic reduction of the safe area. Lastly, Melnikov's method is used to perform a parameter study that indicates the effects of varying the restoring-moment and damping coefficients on the critical excitation level.</P. / Master of Science

Numerical simulations of waterjet inlets have been conducted in order to understand inlet performance during ship turning maneuvers. During turning maneuvers waterjet systems may experience low efficiency, cavitation, vibration, and noise. This study found that during turns less energy arrived at the waterjet pump relative to operating straight ahead, and that the flow field at the entrance of the waterjet pump exhibited a region of both low pressure and low axial velocity. The primary reason for the change in pump inflow uniformity is due to a streamwise vortex. In oblique inflow the hull boundary layer separates when entering the inlet and wraps up forming the streamwise vortex. These changes in pump inflow during turning maneuvers will result in increased unsteady loading of the pump rotor and early onset of pump rotor cavitation. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Amphibious ships, configured with floodable well decks, present a unique challenge to the Ship Design Team to incorporate maximum troop, cargo and vehicle capacity, along with sufficient well deck size, to facilitate efficient operation of LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) and other amphibious assault craft in support of power projection operations. Analysis of the various LSD 49 Class alternative designs, revealed significant variance in the stability limits for each design. These variations appeared to be directly attributable to wing wall size, as well as to the geometry of the well deck. In order to better understand the effect of these items, and to develop guidelines for future design efforts, this study concentrated on evaluating the stability limitations for various combinations of beam, well deck configuration, and wing wall size using an LSD 49 Class proposed hull form. The results indicated that the most significant parameter affecting the stability of the LSD 49 Class is the height of the well deck above the baseline. The higher the well deck, the smaller the loss of waterplane inertia caused by the entrance of flooding water into the well deck compartment. For lower well decks, the loss of waterplane inertia is more critical at smaller values of beam, but becomes less critical at the upper values of beam considered. In these cases, off-center wing wall flooding becomes more critical, and it is more advantageous to devote larger percentages of beam to the well deck compartment. / M.S.