SIMULATION TECHNIQUES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUIESCENT PERIOD PREDICTION (QPP) FLIGHT DECK MOTION FORECASTING TOOL

Abstract

Quiescent Period Prediction (QPP) purpose is to provide ship motion conditions and motion predictions with sufficient forecasted time to launch, recover, and complete other motion sensitive tasks regardless of the seaway. QPP operates within a federated architecture system containing measurement instruments such as a Wave Radar system used to map remote sea surfaces several hundred meters in advance of the ship. This enables the computation of future wave forces acting on the virtual vessel. Quiescent Period Prediction (QPP) system achieves this from the measured sea surface, a short-term deterministic wave model can be constructed allowing the wave system to be propagated to the ship's location. The ability to fully define a ship’s motion as a function of a recovery device, greatly enhances the overall system operational capability whilst fundamentally reducing the inherent risks associated with platform manipulation in high sea conditions. This article describes launch and recovery simulation model and the corresponding verification and validation of the QPP data program testing the accuracy of the simulation modeling. Verification information is discussed regarding the sensor operation and interfaces collected during this trial; a QPP simulation design specification is being produced based on High Level Architecture (HLA) technics. From initial simulation and trial results, QPP has been shown to offer the ability for operators to identify the most favourable deck motion periods to recover an approaching vehicle. The next challenge being studied from the data results is a notional navigational guidance system tool and visual landing aid to be trialled by simulation.