Hydroelastic Motion of Aircushion Type Large Floating Structures With Several Aircushions Using a Three-Dimensional Theory

Abstract

This paper describes hydroelastic motion and effect of motion reduction of aircushion supported large floating structures. Motion reduction effects due to presence of aircushions have been confirmed from theoretical calculations with the zero-draft assumption. A three-dimensional prediction method has been developed for considering draft influence of division walls of aircushions. It is investigated that hydroelastic motion reduction is possible or not by using the three-dimensional theoretical calculations. In addition, the aircushion types are supported by many aircushions which are small related to wavelengths. The Green’s function method is applied to the prediction method with the linear potential theory in which effect of free water surfaces within aircushions are considered. Hydroelastic responses are estimated as not only elastic motion but also a vertical bending moment. From the results, the response reduction is confirmed, in particular, to the vertical bending moment in wide wavelength range and in whole structure area.