Model Tests of a Caisson in Wet Towing for Assessing Resistance and Stability in Calm Water and Waves

Abstract

A series of model tests of a caisson in wet towing were conducted in a towing tank to assess the stability and effective power requirement in calm water and head sea conditions. The scale ratio of the model was 1/30, and the model-length-based Froude number in the tests ranged from 0.061 to 0.122, which is equivalent to 2 and 4 knots in the full scale, respectively. During the towing of the model, tension on the towline and six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) motion of the model were measured. Under the calm water condition, the effects of towing speed, draft, and initial trim variation on the towing stability and effective power were investigated. Initial trim improved stability and reduced required towing power. In head seas, effective power and towing stability were changed with the wavelength. It increased as the wavelength became longer, but the added resistance in long waves also stabilized the model with reduced yaw motion.