Search

The present survey, as part of larger project, is devoted to properties of pure linear models of yaw motion for directionally stable ships, of the first- and second-order, sometimes referred to as the Nomoto models. In rather exhaustive way, it exactly compares and explains both models in that what is being lost in the zigzag behaviour, if the reduction to the simpler, first-order dynamics (K-T model) is attempted with the very famous [Nomoto et al., 1957] approximation: T = T1 + T2 - T3. The latter three time constants of the second-order model, more physically sound, are strictly dependent on the hydrodynamic coefficients of an essential part of the background full-mission manoeuvring model. The approximation of real ship behaviour in either of the mentioned linearity orders, and the corresponding complex parameters may facilitate designing and evaluating ship steering, and identifying some regions of advanced nonlinear models, where linearisation is valid.As a novel outcome of the conducted investigation, a huge inadequacy of such a first- -order model for zigzag simulation is reported. If this procedure is used for determining steering quality indices, those would be of course inadequate, and the process of utilizing them (e.g. autopilot) inefficient.

This paper is devoted to expand the very promising research undertaken in the author's previous work, basically done on simplified modelling the escort push operation. Now, the other two modes of a tug's employment, as stated in the title, are covered. The special focus is again set on the indirect towing in that the towline force is much higher than the thruster force. The ratio of these two forces, referred to as the relative towing force (or amplification ratio) is evaluated together with the hull drift angle and the thruster(-s) angle for a given escort speed. This mutual relationship is known as the tug performance diagram. Although rather generic (container-type) formulas are derived, they are supplied for exemplification purposes with simple, analytically given hull hydrodynamic forces. The aim is also here to provide a basis for further sensitivity analysis of the model and possible improvement/optimization to the tug design. The obtained charts also could serve as rough and clear guidance for towmasters while escorting.