Parametric Sensitivity Analysis of Ship Maneuvring Performance Using Planar Motion Mechanism-Based Hydrodynamic Modelling

Abstract

This study presents a parametric sensitivity analysis of ship manoeuvring performance using Planar Motion Mechanism (PMM)-derived hydrodynamic coefficients. A three-degree-of-freedom horizontal-plane model was developed to compute turning radius, tactical diameter, advance, sway velocity, yaw rate, and hydrodynamic forces. Systematic variations in vessel length (50–300 m), PMM oscillation amplitude (0.1–2 m), oscillation frequency (0.01–0.2 Hz), and forward speed (2–18 m/s) were implemented to evaluate their influence on manoeuvring metrics. Results indicate that turning radius and tactical diameter scale proportionally with vessel length, while sway forces and yaw moments increase with oscillation amplitude, frequency, and forward speed. The study provides quantitative relationships and engineering insights, facilitating improved PMM experiment design, accurate manoeuvring prediction, and optimisation of ship handling characteristics for both preliminary design and operational assessment.