Abstract
The cross-sectional shape of a trimaran is more complex than that of a monohull and consists of a main hull, side hull, and cross deck. When a trimaran moves downward in a severe sea state, air trapped between the main and side hulls forms a cushion under the cross deck, and this has a significant effect on the slamming pressure on the structure. In this work, laboratory experiments are performed on a scale-model trimaran section to gain deeper insight into the dynamic interactions between hull structure, water, and air and to investigate the effects of the air cushion on slamming loads. The air–water–structure interactions are investigated through particle image velocimetry, the accelerations of the ship section are measured by inertial motion units, and the slamming loads are obtained from pressure sensors. To enhance the influence of the air cushion, two plates are installed, one on each side of the ship section, to restrain the escape of air during the experiments. In addition, to eliminate the influence of the air cushion, numerical simulations of water entry are conducted with air replaced by hydrogen, whose density is much lower. The experimental and numerical results confirm that the air cushion under the cross deck can significantly reduce the slamming pressure.
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