Development of a polar-based method for the calculation of the leeway of floating objects drifting at sea

Abstract

Localisation of drifting objects and lost at sea persons is an integral part of search and rescue (SAR) missions. It is thus important to possess effective tools to determine the trajectory of such objects. The method currently used presents some limitations and may prove imprecise in certain cases. The development of a new method based on CFD-generated drag and lift polars is therefore investigated as an alternative. This approach is implemented in a simplified manner for a 40-feet container, and the results compared to the method currently in use. These results, though improvable, appear promising and prove the potential of this approach.

Keywords

• Search and rescue
• CFD
• Leeway
• Leeway drift
• Polar curve
• Search and rescue