Characterization of Physical Phenomena for Large Amplitude Ship Roll Motion

An experiment was performed to examine and characterize physical phenomena which occur during the process of large amplitude ship roll motions. These phenomena result in distinctly different behavior compared to the small amplitude roll motion regime. Because these processes are highly nonlinear, it is important to consider them when modeling ship motions in heavy seas. An understanding of the relevant physics for large amplitude ship roll motions and the characterization of the phenomena from this investigation are intended to provide additional understanding of the processes which should be modeled, to enable more accurate predictions of ship roll motion. The results from this experiment provide useful insight in the physical phenomena which occur during large amplitude roll motion and will help with the formulation of a new model for large amplitude ship roll motion, including ship roll damping and forces on the bilge keel.