Dynamic analysis of vehicle-deck interactions

This paper presents the review and studies at various levels of problems concerning the authors' previous research on the dynamics of vehicle-deck interactions. The various levels of study include the dynamic structural behavior of vehicle-deck systems, vehicle vibrations, damping effects of vehicles on structural systems, dynamic interactions between tire and deck surface, and vehicle securing on decks during ship motions, etc. The study includes analytical, numerical and experimental analysis. Practical problems encountered by Ro-Ro ship designers are addressed by discussing those analysis. It is shown that influences from the dynamics of vehicle-deck interactions are relevant to a number of aspects of issues, such as the excitation frequency range, how detailed information of the structural system response is required, the structure characteristics, and positions and orientations of vehicles on decks, etc. The study contributes to the knowledge for the naval architect and vehicle engineer on how significant the dynamics of vehicle-deck interactions are when dealing with relevant problems.