Simulating narrow channel effect on surge motion of a ship in a virtual environment

Ship navigation behaviors are quite different in narrow and shallow water channels than in an open sea. Pivot point and the resistance to surge motion of a moving ship are changed according to the characteristics of the channel. When enhancing real-time computer based ship simulation in narrow channels which can be used for ship navigational trainings, the resistance force should be considered. This resistance force effect in narrow channels is calculated considering different channel widths and channel depths in a mathematical ship model. This prediction algorithm for narrow channel resistance on surge motion effect is compatible with algorithms and physical models used in a real-time ship simulator which simulates six degrees of freedom ship motions. This paper presents an analysis of observations and findings on the narrow channel resistance on surge motion of a ship that occurs as a result of blockage factor in such a real time ship simulator.