An investigation into the linear theory of ship response to waves

The response of an elastic ship to waves is examined in general terms by using the theory of linear non-conservative systems which suffer sinusoidal excitation. This is made possible by the conventional use of constant hydrodynamic coefficients (which can only be evaluated once the encounter frequency has been specified). A more general approach is formulated which does not depend on such coefficients and is not restricted to use in sinusoidal motions. Ship responses are expressed in modal forms in which the nature of resonance is made self-evident.