The numerical prediction of draghead motion of trailing suction Hopper dredger in time domain

The real-time prediction of draghead motion induced by trailing suction hopper dredger motion is important to enable high operating efficiency and crucial to proper design of wave compensation device of draghead. A numerical method to predict the draghead motion excited by the dynamic response of trailing suction hopper dredger to disturbance is introduced. The motion equations of ship are formulated and numerically solved coupling the effect of draghead. Further, the draghead motion has been established and exhibited. Finally, the time-related factors influencing the draghead motion, such as draft, sea states and so on in the course of operation, are investigated. The numerical simulation result shows that the vertical motion amplitudes of draghead are influenced by wave height and draft obviously, which should be taken into account in the design of wave compensator of draghead.