Why do asterisks (*) appear for way end and/or fore poppet pressures?
The way end and fore-poppet pressures are calculated by assuming that the net weight (weight – buoyancy) of the ship is spread in a trapezoidal type distribution over the length of contact between the sliding and fixed ways. Depending on the position of the centre of gravity this can degenerate to a triangular distribution, in which case either the fore-poppet or way-end pressure will be zero. However, in some circumstances, the centre of gravity is beyond the length of way contact making the pressure calculation impossible. This is what is happening when the program outputs “******” for the pressure. An explanatory note is included in the report.
