Experimental appraisal of hydrodynamic performance and motion of a single-stepped high-speed vessel in calm water and regular waves

Abstract

High-speed vessels exhibit various motions and accelerations in calm water and sea waves. For examining the behavior of high-speed vessels, it is possible to examine these movements in laboratory models. In this paper, a single-step model in calm water is experimentally tested and compared with a model of no step. The speed range of these vessels is 1 m/s to 9 m/s equivalent to Beam Froude numbers of 0.43 to 3.87. During these experiments, the resistance parameters, trim, bow, and stern rise-up as well as the center of the gravity are measured. The non-step model has longitudinal instability at a speed of 8 m/s. This instability is avoided when the vessel is equipped by a transversal step. The vessel's trim and resistance are also reduced in the planing mode in calm water. Subsequently, hydrodynamic performance and its seakeeping condition in the planing regime are investigated for both vessels in regular waves. The single-step and non-step vessels are tested in the wavelength range of [Formula: see text], and the wave height range of 6 to 18 centimeters. It is observed that stepped vessel experiences lower motions and bow accelerations and less added resistance in comparison to the non-stepped vessel.