Drift-wood collision load on bow structure of high-speed vessels

Impact load estimation of drift-wood hitting against the bow structure of high-speed vessels has been investigated. It may be difficult for the craft operator to detect in advance a drift-wood floating just below the ocean surface and to avoid the collision with it. It is particularly difficult for operators of the high-speed vessels in night cruising mode. The probability of the accident may be higher than that of the collision with rocks or other ships because of the difficulties of early detection of the floating object. Impact loads are estimated for drift-wood of different sizes and craft speed considering whipping motion and local crushing of the wood at the hitting region. A simplified formula for the load estimation is proposed based on the modal approach and the energy balance. Predicted impact loads can be applied to the initial design of the bow structure and collision bulkhead of the craft to secure the structural safety against a possible accident.