Investigation of Seakeeping Characteristics of High-speed Catamarans in Waves

This paper presents the motion characteristics for high-speed catamarans travelling in waves. Two mathematical models, threedimensional translating-pulsating source distribution technique and three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique, are used for predicting the motions of the wave-piercing catamaran in oblique waves. The comparison between numerical predictions and experimental data carried out in SSPA shows a good agreement except the one around the resonance regions of pitch motion. It may be due to the nonlinear effects of centre bow with large pitch motions in waves. The phase angles show some scatters in the high frequencies region at stern waves. The dynamic motions of the wave-piercing catamaran have been investigated by means of short-term statistical analysis with three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique. The comparison of seakeeping performance between the conventional catamaran and the wave-piercing catamaran has been discussed.