CALCULATIONS OF THE SPEED AND DIRECTION OF THE CURRENT IN THE FLORIDA STRAIT AND ITS EFFECT ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE SHIP

Abstract

In the work, studies of water circulation in the Florida Straits were carried out. The velocities of geostrophic currents were calculated on the basis of hydrological and hydrochemical elements. Maps of the spatial distribution of salinity and water temperature on the section and maps of current velocities in the water area of the Florida Straits were constructed. An analysis of the navigational and hydrographic conditions of sailing was carried out. Calculations indicate that the current velocity in the Florida Strait reaches 60 cm/s and slowly decreases with depth. So, in the central part of the section, at a depth of 400 m, the current velocity is 20 cm/s. Actual current speeds, both on the surface and in the deep part of the channel, can be higher and reach 190 cm/s (3.7 knots). Since the calculations were carried out over a multi-year period based on averaged data, the results obtained are somewhat lower, but still significant. The influence of wind and currents on the maneuvering characteristics of the ship is considered. Areas characterized by a large amount of data on shipwrecks have been identified. The effect of the transverse current on the vessel in the Florida Strait, where the current velocities reach maximum values, is calculated. An assessment of the load created by the transverse current on the ship was carried out at a maximum current speed of 190 cm/s. The results of the calculations indicate that on an empty ship with an average draft of 27 feet (the ship's waterline length is 994 feet) at a sea depth three times greater than the draft, a current of 3.7 knots develops a load of 551 tons, and 12- the nodal wind creates a load of 9 ts, which in total is a transverse force equal to 560 ts. The obtained results of calculations of current velocities and the force of the transverse current on the ship can be used in the management of ships in the waters of Florida to ensure safe maneuvering.