In vibration analysis of ships, the principle aim is to determine the natural frequencies and excitation frequencies, and use this information to avoid resonances and vibration damage. The simplest method is to prevent resonance conditions, which is effective as long as the natural frequencies and excitation frequencies can be regarded as independent from environmental conditions. For ships that use electric propulsion systems, the sources of vibration are reduced compared with those caused by a diesel engine or other combustion-based propulsion systems. However, the frequency spectrum of these vibrations may be different; therefore, to understand the characteristics of the electric propulsion, we also should investigate how the ship responds to these vibrations. We focused on a 1,000-ton deadweight (DWT) ocean-research vessel using an electric propulsion system and analyzed the response to vibration.

• Dong-Myung BAE Corresponding author
• Bo CAO
• Tuo-Han CHEN(Dept. of Naval Architecture and Marine Systems Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea)