ISO 13643-5:2017

Overview

ISO 13643-5:2017 - Ships and marine technology - Manoeuvring of ships - Part 5: Submarine specials defines terms, symbols and test guidelines to assess the manoeuvring ability of submarines (and submarine models) in the vertical plane. Intended to be read together with ISO 13643‑1, this part focuses on test procedures that produce objective evidence of dynamic stability, hydroplane effectiveness and depth‑control behaviour during submerged operation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and terminology: Defines specific terms such as meander test, vertical overshoot test, neutral level flight test and critical speed test for submarines and models.
• Test types covered:
  • Meander test - establishes vertical-plane manoeuvring characteristics and dynamic stability.
  • Vertical overshoot test - evaluates effectiveness of stern planes when initiating/terminating depth changes.
  • Neutral level flight test - determines trim and hydroplane angles for steady dived depth at given speeds.
  • Critical speed test - identifies speed at which hydroplane effect reverses.
• Test-related physical quantities: Standardizes symbols and quantities used in analysis (e.g., trim angle, damping ratio, oscillation period, critical speed, response time, time to half‑value).
• General test conditions: Requires consistent recording of submarine position (typically at 1 s intervals), use of neutral-level trim settings, minimum clearances to surface and bottom (at least one boat length), unchanged bow plane angle during tests, and control/recording of mass relocations.
• Analysis and presentation: Provides methods to evaluate oscillatory response (subcritical/supercritical damping), overshoot/levelling times, and regression coefficients for data processing.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses it:
  • Naval architects and submarine designers validating depth-control and hydroplane design.
  • Model testing facilities and towing tanks conducting submarine model trials.
  • Classification societies and naval regulatory bodies reviewing manoeuvring performance.
  • Shipyards, sea‑trial teams and research organizations performing full‑scale tests.
• Practical value:
  • Verify vertical-plane dynamic stability across speeds.
  • Quantify hydroplane effectiveness and control-system response.
  • Determine safe trim and hydroplane settings for steady submerged operation.
  • Establish critical speeds to avoid control reversal and potential instability.

Related standards

• Read in conjunction with ISO 13643-1:2017 (General concepts, quantities and test conditions). ISO 13643-5 is part of the broader ISO 13643 series on ship manoeuvring and complements general manoeuvring guidance with submarine‑specific procedures.

Keywords: ISO 13643-5:2017, submarine manoeuvring, vertical plane, meander test, neutral level flight, vertical overshoot, critical speed, hydroplanes, damping ratio, test conditions.