Device Overview

Every Force Matters

The environment, hull form and control devices all contribute to the response of a ship in waves.  Any device that applies some control force to a ship, whether hydrodynamically or otherwise, can be regarded as a stabilising device.  Ship Dynamics has a range of commonly applied stabilising devices that can be applied to meet the required functional requirements.  Should there be no standard device that meet the requirements, Ship Dynamics can custom design and build a device for you.

The families of standard devices are summarised in the following table.

Specialist products

The stabilising devices we design and build have been developed where there are obvious technology gaps, particularly in the area of high speed, zero speed and rapid actuation.

Just as our engineers first developed active transom interceptors for commercial service in the early 1990’s, we have continued to innovate.  Ship Dynamics holds patents for a range of hydrofoils fitted with active interceptors.  Such foils are able to generate considerably more lift prior to onset of cavitation and are less prone to unwanted ventilation than conventional hydrofoils.  We also custom build gyroscopic stabilisers that can provide roll stabilisation independent of forward speed.  Should you have a special requirement, please discuss your options with us.

Third party products

When it comes to certain type of products such as rudders, there are a number of high quality products readily available in the market place.  We will endeavor to utilise existing products where they are available.  Combining these devices, whatever their origin, under a common system will ensure they are effectively integrated and thus avoid the possibility of control forces competing against each other.

Need Help with a Specification?

Ship Dynamics can assist in defining a generic specification for stabilising devices against you specific requirements. We will support this requirement with numerical analysis where appropriate.  Such a specification will not only allow you to seek competitive input but will enable you to place a value on the stabilisation benefit.