Development of a six degree of freedom buoy design and analysis program with validating data

Abstract

A six degree of freedom buoy design and analysis program is given. The buoy program extends original work published by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for roll and heave response of free floating axisymetric bodies. The program predicts the probable amplitude of buoy displacement, velocity, acceleration, and jerk for heave, surge, and sway, motions and probable amplitude of roll, pitch, and yaw angular displacements, velocities, and accelerations. Given is an overview of the equations of motion, simplifying assumptions, and a description of the computational method. The paper contributes limited verification of the computational method with a summary of computer predictions and experimentally obtained data on buoy motion. The data on motions is obtained from buoys designed with specific buoy motion requirements. Experimental data is given for various sea states and buoy types.<>