Hydrodynamics of advanced high-speed sealift vessels.

Abstract

There is at present great interest in large ships capable of carrying substantial cargo at speeds in excess of 40 knots. At the same time, there are large gaps in our understanding of the hydrodynamics, structural engineering, and economics of high-speed vessels. Monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, surface effect ships, and air cushion vehicles are considered in the present work. The total resistance of these vehicles is divided into separate components which are estimated using different methods. Skin-friction is estimated using Grigson's algorithm which gives much better predictions of flat plate skin-friction than the traditional ITTC method. Wave resistance of displacement hulls is estimated using Michell's thin-ship theory: a similar theory is used for the wave resistance of travelling pressure distributions. Several simple formulae are derived that can be used in the preliminary design stage of catamarans to estimate optimum demihull separation. Memetic algorithm techniques are used to find vessels with minimum (calm-water) total resistance. Optimal geometric parameters are found for vessels of 1200 tonnes under a variety of geometric limitations and constraints on upright stability, at design speeds of 50 knots and 75 knots. Estimates are made of the principal weight components of the optimal vessels. Empirical formulae for the efficiencies of powerplants and propulsors then enable estimates to be made of the maximum range, the cargo capacity, and the fuel consumption.