An approach for the determination of hull-girder loads in a seaway including hydrodynamic impacts

The determination of hull-girder loads in a seaway is of particular importance for the design of marine vehicles. This paper shows how the loads can be determined, considering also the impact loads due to slamming. Results have been presented for a fast patrol boat, although the method can be used for other kinds of surface vessels. The theoretical approach presented in the paper is an extension of the linear strip method used extensively in predicting both ship motions and dynamic loads. The equations have been solved by simulating the ship behaviour in an irregular seaway.