DIRECTIONAL INSTABILITY

Directional stability is a ship's ability to maintain a fairly straight course in calm water without any correction from the rudder. A ship having this quality will regain a straight course after experiencing an external disturbance. A ship having directional instability, on the other hand, will need constant rudder corrections to maintain course. If subjected to an external disturbance, it will turn off to one side and eventually settle into a constant turning state. The turning radius will be inversely proportional to the degree of instability. The causes and effects of directional instability, which is a very common characteristic of ships, are explained by the author and shiphandling recommendations for dealing with it are offered.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01441019
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Journal article
• Authors:
  • Gylden, S G
• Publication Date: 1988-11

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 1-1/2p.
• Serial:
  • Seaways
  • ISSN: 0144-1019

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ship pilotage
• Old TRIS Terms: Course stability; Shiphandling
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00656564
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Technical Information Facility
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1994 12:00AM