INFLATABLE LIFERAFT STABILITY STUDY

Abstract : This study was initiated to develop a framework for the evaluation of the general principles of inflatable liferaft stability and within that framework to evaluate the various concepts for stability enhancement. A Quasi-Static Inflatable Liferaft Stability Model was developed to evaluate the stability due to static effects; the analysis of dynamic effects was deferred to a later study; the procedure used is analogous to the evaluation of ship stability. Wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine drag, lift, and moment coefficients as functions of pitch angle and bottom exposure. Model basin tests were also conducted. The stability Model was used to produce curves of net righting (or heeling) moment. The study was conducted for a flat bottom liferaft as well as for those with ballast pockets, a toroidal ballast bag, and a hemispherical ballast bag. (Author)