Computer aided design of a ship steering/stabilisation system

The RNEC suite of programmes encompasses analysis, design and simulation facilities for scalar, multivariable, sample-data, linear and nonlinear control systems which may be defined in polynomial or state-space form. The package, and in particular the form of simulation used, is described. It is then shown how the software is applied to the improvement of the manoeuvring characteristics of modern warships, with particular regard to disturbances introduced by the control surfaces (rudder and stabilising fins)