5 Procedure of model tests
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.608/Rev.1 – Interim Guidelines for Open-top Containerships – (Adopted on 5 July 1994) - Annex - Interim Guidelines for Open-Top Containerships - 5 Procedure of model tests

5 Procedure of model tests

  5.1 The model experiments should be carried out in long-crested, irregular waves. The Pierson-Moskovitz, JONSWAP, or Bretschneider wave spectrum generated for the purpose of these experiments should have a significant wave height of approximately 8.5 m at the most unfavourable realistic wave period (zero crossing) as determined by calculation or previous testing experience.

  5.2 For ships operating in restricted areas only, the Administration may allow other spectra.

  5.3 The effect of wind generated spray need not be simulated during the tests.

  5.4 The model experiments should be carried out for at least the following wave directions based on International Towing Tanks Conference conventions:

  • .1 following seas (0°/360°)

  • .2 quarter following seas (45°/315°)

  • .3 beam seas (90°/270°)

  • .4 quarter head seas (135°/225°)

  • .5 head seas (180°)

  5.5 The model experiments should be carried out for at least the following speeds:

  • .1 maximum sustained speed in head seas and quarter head seas;

  • .2 minimum ship manoeuvring speed in quarter following seas and following seas;

  • .3 zero ship speed (dead ship condition) in beam seas.

  5.6 The Administration may require additional tests.

  5.7 The model experiments should be carried out with a self-propelled, unrestrained model without the necessity to change course and the time period of each experiment should correspond to at least one hour real time.

  5.8 The loading condition used for the tests should correspond at least to the maximum loaded draught with level trim. If operational trim values differ substantially from level trim, additional trim values should be included in the model test programme.

  5.9 The KG value selected should correspond to the actual value most likely to be encountered during the ship's service. If KG values which may be expected during the operation of the ship differ substantially from this selected KG value, additional KG values should be included in the model test programme.

  5.10 For each test condition, the cargo hold which ships most water should be determined by preliminary tests for each combination of heading, trim and KG. In running tests for the full duration specified above, this least favourable hold should be simulated as having no containers, whilst other cargo holds (each cargo hold as a separate entity) may be simulated as completely fully loaded with containers above the line of the weather deck (or hatch coaming where applicable). Containers should not be used as a means to prevent shipping of water into an empty hold where they are stacked outboard of the open hold. Rain covers for the open holds should not be simulated in the model tests.

  5.11 In additional to the usual parameters measured (ship motions, ship speed, relative motions, rudder angles, etc.) the volume of water entering all open cargo holds should be measured for each experiment. The quantities of water taken aboard the model should be removed and measured after each test run so that the metacentric height, moment of inertia and displacement are not appreciably disturbed by any accumulation of water during the testing programme.

  5.12 Where freeing ports are fitted, an additional model test to comply with 2.1.2 should be conducted at a draught which corresponds to the condition of the ship fully loaded with cargo and open holds flooded to the static equilibrium level with freeing ports open. A hold permeability of 70% by volume should be assumed. Tests should be conducted at zero speed in beam seas.

  5.13 The Administration may require an observer to witness the tests. A comprehensive report should be submitted to the Administration.


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