Abstract
This paper presents a procedure to analyse ship collisions using a simplified analytical method by taking into account the interaction between the deformation on the striking and the struck ships. Numerical simulations using the finite element software LS-DYNA are conducted to produce virtual experimental data for several ship collision scenarios. The numerical results are used to validate the method. The contributions to the total resistance from all structural components of the collided ships are analysed in the numerical simulation and the simplified method. Three types of collisions were identified based on the relative resistance of one ship to the other. They are denoted Collision Types 1 and 2, in which a relatively rigid ship collides with a deformable ship, and Collision Type 3, in which two deformable ships are involved. For Collision Types 1 and 2, estimates of the energy absorbed by the damaged ships differ by less than 8% compared to the numerical results. For Collision Type 3, the results differ by approximately 13%. The simplified method is applicable for right angle ship collision scenario, and it can be used as an alternative tool because it quickly generates acceptable results.