Design of a multivariable robust controller to decrease the motion sickness incidence in fast ferries

Abstract

This work serves as a pioneering contribution in the use of quantitative feedback theory methodology to the design of a controller for a high speed ship. We have improved the design of a multivariable robust controller so that it will be able to reduce incidences of motion sickness on high speed ferries. Motion sickness is caused by vertical accelerations associated with the heave and pitch motions induced by waves. Therefore we are dealing with regulation problems of a highly perturbed system. The design regulator has been validated in sea behaviour trials, using a scaled down replica 1 25 the size of a high-speed ferry.