Accurate prediction of loads on mechanical couplings is crucial in assessment of loads on coupled structures BLACK CHERRY LIP BALM and in optimization of mechanical coupling design.In this paper, a contact element model is introduced to represent prismatic joints.A twofold pushing convoy in shallow water was taken for time domain numerical simulations in regular waves.The prismatic joints interconnecting the convoy bodies allowed relative heave and pitch motions of the bodies relative to each other.The articulation forces and body motions were compared to model basin measurements to assess the Hats reliability of contact element model.
The contact element model could simulate the prismatic joints efficiently and it provided a suitable method to idealize free and suppressed modes at articulation locations.