Dynamics Analysis of a Small Training Boat ant Its Optimal Control

This paper describes dynamics analysis of a small training boat and a new type of ship's autopilot not only to keep her course but also to reduce her roll motion. Firstly, statistical analysis through multi-variate auto regressive model is carried out using the real data collected from the sea trial on an actual small training boat Sazanami after the navigational system of the boat was upgraded. It is shown that the roll motion is strongly influenced by the rudder motion and it is suggested that there is a possibility of reducing the roll motion by controlling the rudder order properly. Based on this observation, a new type of ship's autopilot that takes the roll motion into account is designed using the muti-variate modern control theory. Lastly, digital simulations by white noise are carried out in order to evaluate the proposed system and a typical result is demonstrated. As results of simulations, the proposed autopilot had good performance compared with the original data.