The measured contribution of whipping and springing on the fatigue and extreme loading of container vessels

• Published in: International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Main Author: Storhaug Gaute
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2014
• Subjects: Springing; Whipping; Fatigue; Extreme loading; Container vessels; Model tests; Full scale measurements; Hull monitoring; Collapse strength; IACS URS 11; Ocean engineering; TC1501-1800; Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering; VM1-989; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijnaoe-2013-0233; https://doaj.org/article/e4871cd3eac544dca3e4675210e227da

Whipping/springing research started in the 50’ies. In the 60’ies inland water vessels design rules became stricter due to whipping/springing. The research during the 70-90’ies may be regarded as academic. In 2000 a large ore carrier was strengthened due to severe cracking from North Atlantic operation, and whipping/springing contributed to half of the fatigue damage. Measurement campaigns on blunt and slender vessels were initiated. A few blunt ships were designed to account for whipping/springing. Based on the measurements, the focus shifted from fatigue to extreme loading. In 2005 model tests of a 4,400 TEU container vessel included extreme whipping scenarios. In 2007 the 4400 TEU vessel MSC Napoli broke in two under similar conditions. In 2009 model tests of an 8,600 TEU container vessel container vessel included extreme whipping scenarios. In 2013 the 8,100 TEU vessel MOL COMFORT broke in two under similar conditions. Several classification societies have published voluntary guidelines, which have been used to include whipping/springing in the design of several container vessels. This paper covers results from model tests and full scale measurements used as background for the DNV Legacy guideline. Uncertainties are discussed and recommendations are given in order to obtain useful data. Whipping/springing is no longer academic.