Modeling and Simulation in the Sealift Program

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Navy's Sealift Program had several unique problems associated with it which have been addressed using innovative modeling and simulation techniques. These techniques fall under two categories: visualization and dynamic analysis. This paper will discuss the employment of these techniques and the impact their application has had in the program. Also examined will be various difficulties that were encountered in the application of these techniques.Commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (COTS) visualization tools were used to model the interior Ro/Ro spaces on the four classes of new construction and conversion ships now being procured. These models were employed for vehicle maneuvering simulations, operator familiarization and visualization of the results of an analysis of the loading and unloading of Ro/Ro vehicles.A COTS dynamic analysis system was used to simulate dynamic behavior during the assembly/deployment and retrieval/disassembly of the side port ramp using the ships' cranes. These analyses supported reviews of design configurations, proposed handling procedures, and in conjunction with extensive post‐processing, operability assessments for system operation. In a parallel effort, an interactive crane simulator was developed to support on‐going engineering studies, indoctrination, and test and evaluation purposes.Lessons learned have been applied to other activities at the Naval Sea Systems Command. Critical areas were the validation and maintenance of up‐to‐date configuration data for the visual models, adaptive levels of detail to meet the requirements of each study objective, and the need to provide comprehensive documentation of models.