Some New Aspects of Slamming Probability Theory

A systematic investigation of some probabilistic aspects of slamming is presented. This investigation includes the assessment of the unconditional probability of slamming at a random instant of time; the estimation of the conditional probability of slamming at a given instant after a particular slam; and the consequent rejection of the hypoth esis that slamming is a Poisson process. In addition, a procedure to approximate the distribution of slamming interarrival times is presented. Finally, new slamming statistics, obtainable from the theory of this work, are presented and compared with the existing slamming criteria. The theory of this paper can be readily applied to other seakeeping events such as deck wetness, keel emergence, and propeller racing.