Autonomous boat dynamics: How far away is simulation from the high sea?

The study demonstrates the process of implementing a 3-degrees-of-freedom surge-sway-yaw boat dynamic model in a numeric simulation environment. Estimated environmental disturbance force introduced in the simulation provides a scope for determining boat thrust force range and thrust angle range. The basic simulation framework allows the designer of a small robotic boat to change control logics in relation to the actuator (thruster) layout without the construction of a prototype. The study draws on the key assumptions of hydrodynamic added masses and damping coefficients, and indicates ways to estimate these parameters. The framework offers a starting point for anyone working on mechanical design of a robotic test boat for developing any control algorithms