Simulation analysis of fin stabilizers on turning circle control during ship turns.

Abstract The turning circle is one of the most basic and important parameters that represents the turning performance of a ship. Steady turning diameter is an important indicator of maneuverability of ships and has received widespread attention. Fin stabilizers are currently added to ship designs for the primary purpose of producing roll-canceling moments during ordinary operation. The present work aims to investigate the effect of fin stabilizers on ship turning circle control during turning motion. The nonlinear 4-DOF mathematical model of a navy vessel is established. The forces and moments caused by propeller, rudder, fin stabilizers and wave disturbance are also modeled. The simulations of ship turning motion with and without fin stabilizers are carried out to explore the effect of fin stabilizers on ship turning performance. Based on the analysis of simulation results, an improved PID controller based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) optimization is developed to realize the turning circle control. The simulation results show that fin stabilizers are promising and effective for turning circle control during ship turns with a properly designed PID controller, which provides a new idea for attitude control in ship turning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]