Explain the Fundamentals of Steering Theory

CONSIDERATIONS OF SHIP MANOEUVRABILITY

Maintaining a given course - directional & dynamic stability Ship response to movement of the control surfaces Ability to turn completely within a specified distance

Functions and Requirements of Steering Gear Systems

Directional Control Maneuverability

Manoeuvrability

Manoeuvrability
a. Ease of maintaining course (steering). Directional and dynamic stability.

b. The response to movements of the rudders, either in initiating or terminating a rate of change of heading.
c. Turn completely round within a given space.

Directional Control
Directional Control can be achieved by: Rudders.

Rudders and Bow Thrusters

Vertical Axis Propellers.

(eg Voith-Schneider propeller).

Rudders
Rudder is a servo system Hydrodynamic forces and moments on the hull cause the ship to turn. Fitted aft to benefit from the increased water velocity induced by the propellers.

Streamlined form produces:

Large lift force and minimum drag

Leading edge sections are designed to reduce the variation of lift force with the angle of attack.

Steering Limitations
Typically stalling will occur at an angle between 35O - 45O. Hence the limitations on the max turning angle (helm) of the rudder in most ships is limited to 35O. This avoids stall, loss of speed and large heel on turning.

HYDRODYNAMIC EFFECT
STABILISING OR DESTABILISING DESIGNS STABILISING TENDS TO STEADY UP ON A NEW COURSE WHEN EXTERNAL FORCES ACT UPON THE HULL DESTABILISING WILL NOT STEADY UP ON NEW COURSE BILGE KEEL & SHAPE OF HULL

Directional Stability
When under way, Hydrodynamic forces - stabilizing or destabilizing effect. A hull will not return to its initial course without an external corrective force. Directionally stable is when, Having suffered a disturbance from a straight path it tends to take up a new straight line path. This moment acts around the point called the centre of lateral resistance.

Action of Rudder in Turning a Ship

T FR y J
Ships Head B XCentre of Turning Circle

FH V G E

Action of Rudder in Turning a Ship

T FR y J
Ships Head B XCentre of Turning Circle

FH V G E

Radial Force = (D
T FR y J G E

2/R V
V

FH

a
Ships Head

B XCentre of Turning Circle

Linear Theory of Motion

Measurement of Manoeuvrability
-Dimensional Parameters
-Performance factors

Dimensional Parameters

The Turning Circle

Approach Course

Rudder Execute

Drift Angle
Approach Course

Rudder Execute

Drift Angle

Approach
Course

Advance
Advance at 90o change of heading

Rudder Execute
Drift Angle

Approach
Course

Transfer
Advance at 90o change of heading

Rudder Execute
Drift Angle

Transfer at 90o change of heading

Tactical Diameter Approach

Course Advance at 90o change of heading Transfer

Rudder Execute
Drift Angle

Tactical Diameter at 180o change of heading

Diameter of Steady Turning Circle

Approach
Course Advance at 90o change of heading Transfer

Rudder Execute
Drift Angle

Steady Turning Radius

Tactical Diameter

Performance Factors

Performance Factors
Loss of speed - caused by increased drag, normally at 90 O into the turn and be 40% below the approach speed. Angle of heel

Turning rate - rate of turn of ships head off the approach course. For Naval vessels this can be as much as 3 degrees/sec.

Rudder Torque T a A CP
Where:
A = Rudder Area CP = Centre of Pressure distance from rudder stock centre line. V2 = Velocity of Ship q = Rudder angle measured from midships.

2 sinq V

Rudder Horsepower
Horsepower (max) a T x S Where: T = max torque S = max speed

Factors affecting Ships Response to Steering

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Shape of hull form. Speed. Direction of movement. Number of rudders. Rudder shape. Position of rudder. Rate of rudder movement.

STEERING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Accuracy of control (max misallignment) +1% 35 deg port to 35 stbd in less than 30 sec Must not move max 3 deg beyond max angle of helm : 38 deg for max helm order of 35 deg

STEERING INSTALLATIONS
Consists of
Steering gear
Mechanism to move the rudders to desired position Hydraulic actuators

Steering control system

Mechanical Electrical Hydraulic Combination of these

STEERING INSTALLATIONS
Is to be capable of moving, stopping and holding the rudders at any angle within the limits of operation

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Ref Chapt 1.29 RUDDER SERVO AMPLIFIER HYDRAULIC PUMPS AND CONTROL INTERFACE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTORS HYDRAULIC PUMP STARTERS HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS VALVES AND PIPEWORK RUDDERS RUDDER ANGLE FEEDBACK TRANSMITTER

STEERING GEAR DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

VARIOUS CONTROL STATIONS AVAILABILITY
LIFE SPAN 99.9%

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

STEERING GEAR DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

LOCKING DEVICE
HYDRAULIC OR MECHANICAL

LUBRICATION OF
Rudder Bearings Actuator bearings