Question

(a) Explain the concept of dynamical stability. (6)

(b) A ship of 5000 tonne displacement has three rectangular double bottom tanks; A 12m long and 16m wide; B 14m long and 15m wide; C 14m long and 16m wide.

Calculate the free surface effect for any one tank and state in which order the tanks should be filled when making use of them for stability correction. (10)

Answer 1

Part (a)

Dynamical Stability is defined as the amount of energy required to heel a ship from its upright equilibrium position to a specific angle of heel. It provides a measure of the vessel's stability by considering its behaviour in response to dynamic external forces, such as wind or waves.

The concept compares the heeling moment energy (from external forces) and the righting moment energy (from the ship's stability).
The ship will absorb the energy imparted by the heeling moment. If the righting energy is greater than the heeling energy, the ship will stabilize; otherwise, it may capsize.

Areas Under the Curve:

Area A: Represents the region where the heeling moment exceeds the righting moment (external energy > ship's stability).
Area B: Represents the region where the righting moment exceeds the heeling moment (ship's stability > external energy).
The balance of these areas determines whether the ship will right itself or continue to heel.

When exposed to heeling forces such as wind or waves, the vessel inclines and may roll over to a certain angle of heel. If the external force is applied instantaneously, the ship must have enough reserve dynamic stability to absorb the energy and return to an upright position. If the external force is constant, the ship will remain at an equilibrium angle where the righting moment equals the heeling moment.

This refers to the remaining righting energy available to counteract additional external forces. A higher reserve dynamic stability ensures the vessel can handle greater heeling forces without capsizing.

✓ Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)

Dynamical Stability is defined as the amount of energy required to heel a ship from its upright equilibrium position to a specific angle of heel. It provides a measure of the vessel's stability by considering its behaviour in response to dynamic external forces, such as wind or waves.