Results from ship dynamic experiments using the maximum likelihood identification technique

Abstract

The maximum likelihood method of identification of parameters of dynamic processes was introduced in 1965 and has been used for numerical identification of a selection of industrial processes since that time. As the authors know of only one other attempt to apply this technique in the shipping world, this report presents the background theory of the method before describing its application to investigate the rolling and steering characteristics of a 2300 ton displacement vessel. Although these results do not lead to definitive conclusions, they reveal the potential of the method in an area in which easily applicable techniques are sparse. The biggest advantage of this technique is that it is reasonably undemanding on ship’s time and, in fact, may be applied without seriously interfering with the normal operation of the vessel.