ABSTRACT
The second-order linear model of ship yaw motion, against the well-known first-order approximation, is hydrodynamically sound and therefore more important for many reasons. The zigzag (Kempf) test is one of standard benchmark manoeuvres to evaluate ship designs and provide informative comprehensive data for identifying motion mathematical models. This study produces and analyses universal charts of systematic interdependence between the second-order model parameters and the zigzag curve parameters. An essentially wide range of model parameters is concerned. This can enable a unique identification of the second-order linear model from the ship zigzag behaviour. For that purpose, some practical guidelines are also developed.
