Application of simulation technology to the performance evaluation of HMS Victory as an exemplar of the ships at the battle of Trafalgar

Summary:The production of a computer-based simulation representing an early 19th Century sailing warship is described. HMS Victory is used as a basis ship throughout the work. A broad overview is presented of the goals of the project. The particulars of HMS Victory are given and basic hydrostatic data calculated. The design and construction of both a 1:40 towing tank and wind tunnel scale models are described. The experimental procedures used during both sets of tests are detailed, along with the subsequent data analysis. Sample results are presented and regression functions fitted for use within the simulation. The software design decisions are outlined before the overview of Virtual Trafalgar's software architecture is presented. The implementation of the ship manoeuvring theory in the simulation physics engine is described and results from initial evaluations given