A Vessel's Mathematical Model and its Real Counterpart: A Comparative Methodology Based on a Real-world Study

Abstract

Navigation and manoeuvring simulators are increasingly being used in research centres to conduct complex navigation experiments and analyses. The structure and capabilities of simulation software make it possible to reproduce any conditions, including weather conditions. The complex mathematical models of marine environmental conditions that are being implemented nowadays take into account various sea wave models, which makes simulation tests more realistic. This paper deals with issues related to evaluating and verifying vessel simulation models based on real-world studies. As a result of the present research project, a methodology for comparing vessel simulation models with their real-life counterparts was developed. A measurement platform was created for the purpose of carrying out real-world studies; it is available at the Institute of Marine Navigation and Hydrography of the Polish Naval Academy. One important research step involved developing a procedural algorithm for making real-world measurements. This paper presents the results of using this platform in comparative tests of the manoeuvring elements of real and simulated vessels.