ABS: Latest developments in ship vibration

ABS has published a detailed analysis of latest ship vibration issues to support the industry in mitigating damage caused by vibrations induced by machinery and the environment.

In particular, the ABS report presents the latest developments in vibration analysis, vibration criteria and mitigation measures. It also explores four different real-world cases where vibration issues have been identified, analyzed and mitigated.

Vibration-induced failures are one key challenge that have been hidden by over-designed structures and machinery in the past. As designs have become more optimized, excitation sources from rotating machinery to natural ocean waves are starting to account for fatigue in structures, loss of cargo, malfunctions in machinery and electrical components as well as habitability issues for the crew. Therefore, vibration is now a constraint that must be accounted for in the design.

Mr. Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President, Technology said that they examined real-world cases for the aforementioned report where vibration issues have been identified and applied them to the latest developments in vibration analysis.

Solutions on mature, existing vessels can be costly. Our goal is to share these findings with industry so that vibration issues are addressed as early as possible.

…he added.