A Numerical Feasibility Study of a Parametric Roll Advance Warning System

This work studies the practicality of using finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) to detect the inception of parametric resonance for vessels operating in irregular longitudinal seas. Parametrically excited roll motion is modelled as a single degree-of-freedom system, with nonlinear damping and restoring terms. FTLEs are numerically calculated at every integration time step. Using this numerical model of parametric roll and through tracking trends in the FTLE time series behavior, warnings of parametric roll are identified. This work serves as a proof-of-concept of the FTLE technique’s viability in detecting parametric resonance. The ultimate aim of the research contained in this paper, along with future work, is the development of a real-time, on-board aid to warn of impending danger allowing for avoidance of severe, even catastrophic, vessel instabilities.