Calm-water performance of a boat with two swept steps at high-speeds: Laboratory measurements and mathematical modeling

Abstract

Laboratory measurements are performed to find the performance in calm water of a planing hull with two swept steps. Furthermore, a mathematical model, based on the 2D+T theory, is adapted to provide a fast and accurate simulation for performance prediction of this craft. The trim angle of the vessel is seen to reach to two peaks, one in pre-planing and on in the early planing speed, then converges to a small value around 2 degrees. A small wetted area is seen to appear near the chine of the middle body of the vessel at early planing speed. Laboratory measurements and mathematical computations are seen to be in good agreement, especially at very high-speeds. Overall, the mathematical model is found to be a useful tool for performance prediction of boats with swept steps, which can have different, but better performance in comparison with stepless and boats with transverse steps.