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Extensions: An additional unique feature about the DynaSim© software package is its ability to fine tune the mathematical model to a particular ship's evolving characteristics thus achieving accurate predictions of the motion of that ship. This is accomplished by employing a novel Systems Identification algorithm. The identification procedure is an inverse problem that uses as input already recorded data about the ship that is available as part of IMO guidelines (turning circle and zigzag data) or observations on-board of the ship response to maneuvering sequences. Advances in the identification algorithm enable the identification to be performed very quickly. The algorithm for identification is based on a multi-objective identification algorithm, which was developed using a grant by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Additional grants were obtained from the Office of Naval Research (under a Phase I and a Phase II SBIR grant Navy SBIR) in support of the AAAV office.
Applications:
One of the DynaSim© modules enables the user to simulate ship traffic in a harbor, in various waterways or ship-tugboat interaction. Ships are introduced in the simulation environment with user-designated routes according to a user specifiable schedule. They then perform according to their ship mathematical models and in response to environmental conditions. Navigation rules are applied and the software auto-pilots the ships while aiming at avoiding other ships and keeping the prescribed routes. Safety metrics are then deduced for the prescribed traffic schedule and help the route planner or waterway / harbor designer evaluate the particular traffic pattern under the given environmental constraints. This can also be used for continual training of masters and pilots in making decisions during ship operations to minimize human error, and by harbor designers and port managers for structures and waterway design, modification, improvement and implementation of safety measures.
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