Effect of Free Surface & Six Degree Freedom

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Course Title: Naval Architecture-II

Question no-1: How Free Surface Effect affects on GM? Explain how to reduce?
Answer:

The free surface effect is a phenomenon that occurs when a liquid in a partially filled tank
shifts due to the ship's motion, reducing the ship's stability and increasing the risk of
capsizing. This effect can cause a reduction in the metacentric height (GM) of the ship, which
is a measure of its stability. A lower GM can lead to increased rolling and pitching of the
ship, making it less safe and less comfortable for crew and passengers.

To reduce the free surface effect and maintain a higher GM, several methods can be
employed:
One approach is to minimize the amount of liquid in partially filled tanks, such as by ballast
or deballast them completely or using baffles to reduce the free surface area.
Another method is to use anti-roll tanks, which are partially filled tanks that are designed to
counteract the free surface effect by shifting the liquid in the opposite direction of the ship's
motion.
Additionally, the use of active stabilizers, such as fins or gyroscopes, can also help to reduce
the free surface effect and maintain stability.
In summary, the free surface effect can have a significant impact on a ship's stability and
safety. Employing methods such as minimizing liquid in partially filled or empty tanks, using
anti-roll tanks, and active stabilizers can help to reduce this effect and maintain a higher GM.

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Question no-2• Explain your experiences on Six Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF) onboard, As a
sailor what plans you would like to implement to mitigate those challenges .
Answer :

Six degrees of freedom is a specific parameter count for the number of degrees of freedom an
object has in three-dimensional space, such as the real world. It means that there are six
parameters or ways that the body can move.
Six degrees of freedom consists of the following movement parameters:
● Translation – Moving along the different axes X, Y and Z
Moving up and down along the Y axis is called heaving.
Moving forwards and backwards along the X axis is called surging.
Moving left and right along the Z axis is called swaying.
● Rotation – Turning in order to face a different axis
Moving between X and Y is called pitch.
Moving between X and Z is called yaw.
Moving between Z and Y is called roll.

Here is a quick look at the six DoF of ship motion:


1. Pitch describes the up and down motion of a vessel. This is characterized by the rising
and falling of the bow and stern in much the same way as a teeter-totter moves up and
down.
2. Roll is how we describe the tilting motion of the ship from side to side. Wind and
waves push against the ship and cause it to rock back and forth.
3. Yaw spins the ship on an invisible middle line similar to swiveling on a chair. This
can be caused by waves moving in perpendicular to the motion of the ship and can
change its heading, or direction.

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4. Heave defines the up and down motion of a ship as large swells heave Nautilus
vertically on the crests and troughs of waves.
5. Sway this sliding motion occurs when the hull of a ship is pushed by the wind or
current.
6. Surge occurs when Nautilus is being followed by larger swells, which can push the
vessel forward and impact the front to back motion of the ship.

Example: A roll axis is an imaginary line running horizontally through the length of the ship,
through its center of mass, and parallel to the waterline. A roll motion is a side-to-side or
port-starboard tilting motion of the superstructure around this axis.

Six Degrees of Freedom (6 DoF) is a term used to describe the ability of an object to move
freely in three-dimensional space. As a sailor, there are several challenges that can arise due
to 6 DoF, such as changes in wind direction, wave height and direction, and the movement of
the ship itself.

To mitigate these challenges, there are several plans that sailors can implement:
1. Stay alert and aware of changes in the environment: Keep a close eye on the wind
direction, wave height and direction, and the movement of the boat. This will help you
anticipate any potential challenges and adjust your course accordingly.

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2. Adjust the sails: Depending on the wind direction and strength, you may need to adjust the
sails to maintain your course and speed. This requires knowledge of sail trim and an
understanding of how the boat responds to changes in sail configuration.
3. Use the boat's equipment: Many boats are equipped with features such as autopilots and
wind instruments that can help you maintain your course and speed. Make use of these tools
to help you navigate through challenging conditions.
4. Stay calm and focused: In challenging conditions, it's important to stay calm and focused.
Keep a clear head and make decisions based on the conditions you are facing.
5. Keep the boat balanced: As the boat moves through the water, it can experience changes in
pitch, roll, and yaw. To maintain stability, it's important to keep the boat balanced by
distributing weight evenly and adjusting the sail trim as needed.
6. Use sea anchors or drogues: In rough seas, sea anchors or drogues can help reduce the
boat's motion and maintain stability. These devices create drag in the water, which can help
slow the boat's movement and reduce the effects of wind and waves.
7. Plan ahead: Before setting sail, it's important to plan your route and take into account any
potential challenges posed by wind, waves, and currents. This can help you avoid dangerous
conditions and stay safe on the water.
8. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with weather forecasts and other relevant information that
may impact your sailing conditions. This can help you make informed decisions and adjust
your plans as needed.

By implementing these plans, sailors can successfully navigate through challenging


conditions and mitigate the challenges posed by 6 DoF.

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