The study of a roll-damping device (flopper stopper) at zero ship speed.
In front of the clubhouse, on the morning of 22nd May 2002, an experiment was carried out as part of a study project for Curtin University. Many of the FSC members showed an interest in this event, so an article of explanation has been written.
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The Applied Physics Department at Curtin University has a group attached called the Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST). The head of this centre and project supervisor is Mr. Kim Klaka, who is well known as a FSC member.
[Please note: from 1 July 2002, the Directorship of CMST transferred from Mr. Kim Klaka to Mr. Andrew Woods.]
The project is part of Colin Ayres’ Post Graduate Studies at Curtin, and he used his vessel Sea Airs to carry out the test. Colin is also a member, and built this boat in 1990. He has cruised up and down the coast, and lived on board at the club for several years.
The definition of the project is "The study of a roll-damping device (flopper stopper) at zero ship speed." Several designs have been created over the years, but the current work was undertaken on a dual action device. A variety of plates were used to measure the changes to the applied loads.
Typical design Ross (1980) |
Several sizes and shapes |
A typical deployment of a flopper stopper system at sea. A similar arrangement can also be used at anchor. There are variations in the design of the plate and support mechanism.
References: Ross (1980) "Flopper Stoppers in Ocean Research" in Naval Engineers Journal, February, 1980.
