Area Models/Exercise Areas
The Centre’s computer graphic modellers model ports and exercise areas. These areas simulate full day/night visual scenery and can incorporate tidal movements. Most Australian and New Zealand ports have been modelled on the simulator. Malaysian and Indonesian ports are also on the simulator’s database.
Ship Models
Hydrodynamic models used in the Integrated Marine Simulator react realistically to the environment in which they are operated and to the engine, rudder, thruster, anchor and winch, orders of the pilot or master. The models are based on equations developed by Dr. Nils Norrbin of the Swedish State Shipbuilding Experimental Tank.
Considerable information is needed to model a ship - dimensions, engine power, sea trials data and operating practices. These are used to develop computer programmes, which simulate the manoeuvring characteristics of the ship in tow or various conditions of loading. In cases where the ship is still at the design stage, the naval architects may supply predicted manoeuvring characteristics and other data to enable the ship to be modelled.
Specialist staff, assisted where necessary by hydrodynamacists and marine engineers from the AMC, prepares ship models. The Centre has modelled over twenty-five ship models and the simulator manufacturer has supplied other models.
Ship models cover a wide range of shipping from small cargo ferries to cape sized bulk carriers over 250,000dwt and VLCC’s. They include motor ships and steam turbines, single and twin screws and ships with controllable pitch propellers, high lift rudders and bow/stern thrusters.
Prototype Area (AMCland)
For port developments at a very early stage, prototype port models can be prepared by using existing visual models of breakwaters and jetties, to provide visual scenes and on-line input of depths and tidal heights and currents. These models can be prepared quickly and inexpensively and provide a useful tool for preliminary feasibility studies on proposed port developments.
