Static and dynamic aspects of a capsize phenomenon

Capsizing of ships constitutes a primary group of casualties that leads to loss of life and money. Unfortunately, its mechanism has yet to be fully resolved due to underlying complex dynamics and parameters. Upon studying the causes in more detail, designing safer ships against capsizing may become a reality. In the present study, a relatively different approach called “reserve of stability” or “stability margins” which utilizes both statical and nonlinear dynamical aspects of stability is employed to analyze ship hydrodynamics. For this purpose a nonlinear roll model in beam waves has been implemented. In order to apply the theory, a capsized vessel is chosen to be analyzed in terms of stability. The necessary data about the vessel at the time of capsizing were collected from the published work found in the naval architecture literature. Suggestions are made based on the results of the analysis to improve ship stability qualities in a seaway.