An experimental study of global loads acting on an intact and damaged Ro-Ro ship model

Measurements of global loads acting on a Ro-Ro model have been carried out in regular waves for intact and damaged conditions. The stationary model was tested in different wave heights and wave frequencies for the head, beam and stern quartering seas in order to explore the effect of damage and wave heights on the global loads acting on the model. The analysis of the results indicates that damage has an adverse effect on the structural loading responses of the model depending upon the directionality of the waves and frequency range applied. This effect may cause structural damage on the ship and danger the safety of the ship and passengers on board.