Abstract: We established a motion differential equation in frequency domain for hydrodynamic characteristics of ocean data buoy.We also simulated buoy modelmotion in wave based on potential flow theory.We discovered a significant simulation result deviation existed, as compared with tank test results.We acquired damping coefficient of a buoy model by roll decay test of the model to improve the accuracy of simulation results.Damping matrix of the model was also corrected.The accuracy of the corrected simulation results was greatly improved, less than 3% of average error, as compared with the experimental results.This can therefore satisfy the requirements of engineering applications.

Key words: buoy, roll damping, tank test, potential flow theory, roll decay test