Simulación numérica de embarcaciones interislas de Galápagos en condición sin propulsión sometidas a olas transversales

Abstract

Based on incidents associated with wave conditions involving inter-island vessels in the Galápagos Islands, the present study develops a numerical model to analyze their dynamic behavior under beam seas. To assess the possibility of capsizing, the instant at which the water level reaches the upper edge of the deck is considered. The numerical simulations are performed through time integration of the system of equations describing the coupled motions of roll, heave, and pitch, using a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Three 12 m-long craft with different deadrise angles are considered, along with three loading conditions to represent variations in the number of passengers on board. In addition, regular wave conditions and sliding waves are analyzed, the latter being represented through a Fourier series. The results demonstrate a correct implementation of motion coupling in the numerical model, with asymmetric responses exhibiting secondary peaks between the maximum and minimum values of roll, heave, and pitch. Furthermore, hull geometry and loading condition are shown to significantly influence instantaneous freeboard values, leading to conditions under which the risk of water shipping on deck increases. Keywords: inter-island vessels, numerical simulation, coupled motions, time-domain integration, capsizing.