Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to give an account of certain experimental work conducted by the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Navy Department, in connection with the problem of the stabilization of ships against rolling by the so-called method of activated tanks. The paper incorporates preliminary data from stabilization tests on the destroyer Hamilton. Activation of antirolling systems was produced by means of variable-pitch pumps inserted in ducts connecting the port and starboard tanks. Control equipment consisted of a servomotor system controlled through an electron-tube system by an instrument responsive to angular acceleration of rolling motion. Although, because of the war, these tests could not be completed, it is believed that the experimental program has progressed sufficiently to warrant formulation of certain conclusions of general interest. The principal attempts at stabilization of ships against rolling which have been made, with varying degrees of success, during the last 60 years are considered briefly.
