FROUDE’S LAW OF SIMILITUDE – CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE SEAKEEPING TESTING

Abstract

Historically “scale effects” in the interpretation of tests with scale models in waves using Froude’s Law of Similitude are mostly associated with viscous effects. Nowadays, with a much more complete modelling of reality and a focus on higher order non-linear phenomena, scaling of model test results implies a wider range of assumptions than the validity of Froude’s Law. Our contribution to the conference is a visionary review of contemporary and future problems in the interpretation of these tests. In this context we will discuss the developments in test techniques, including the development of a new Two-Phase Laboratory facilitating seakeeping and sloshing tests at reduced air pressure.