Numerical prrediction of pneumatic Life raft performance

The success of the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation depends on the correct assignation of the search area for the drifting pneumatic life raft, with particular emphasis on leeway. The leeway is directly dependent on the hydrodynamic drag and wind pressure force acting on above-water and underwater parts of the life raft. The paper presents the numerical study on the pneumatic life raft performance including hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics in a wide range of operational conditions. The numerical simulation results were compared with model test results obtained in towing tank and wind tunnel. The proper prediction of life raft performance is important for determination of life raft safety function dependent on wind velocity and operational characteristics. The results of numerical simulation are in line with data available in literature and obtained from empirical investigations.