Numerical and experimental investigation of dynamics of vehicle/ship-deck interactions

Journal article, 2008

The paper presents numerical modeling and analysis of vehicle/ship-deck interactions and a review of similar models and approaches in the literature. The physical modeling of vehicles is discussed together with the modeling of supporting structures/ship decks, and the interactions between vehicles and supporting structures. Some engineering applications are studied, for example, the dynamic structural behavior of vehicle/ship-deck systems, vehicle vibrations, damping effects of vehicles on structural systems, dynamic interactions between tires and deck surfaces, and vehicle securing on decks during ship motions. In addition, results from modal testing of unloaded and vehicle-loaded lightweight deck systems in a ship and the tire-deck friction under dynamic loading are reported. The results are used for validation and verification of models. Finally, vehicle transportation using RO/RO ships and lashing-free vehicle concept ideas are studied and discussed.