Variable structure control applied to chemical processes with inverse response

This paper outlines the research work undertaken at the University ofStrathclyde aiming to address the question of "passenger survival" following large scale flooding on the vehicle deck of passenger/Ro-Ro vessels. An extensive investigation was carried out, with the intention of characterising the survival of a vessel in marginal conditions, culminating in a proposal for design criteria which ensure an assumed sufficient survival time for the complete evacuation of passengers and crew following a breach in the hull integrity. The results of the parametric investigation are presented with discussion and the rationale behind the proposed criteria explained.