Wave Interactions between Barges

An integral-equation method is used to investigate the three-dimensional hydrodynamic interactions between two barges freely floating in waves. The results show that end effects are important even when the barges are displaced longitudinally by a ship-length. Furthermore, the motions of the leeward barge can sometimes significantly exceed those of the seaward vessel. An analysis of possible practical applications of the method, together with the limitations of the underlying theory, is presented.