Mathematical Model of Dynamics of Air Cushion Vehicle with Ballonet Type Skirt on Water

Abstract

The mathematical model of the dynamics of an Air Cushion Vehicle with a ballonet type skirt is presented. This model incorporates a number of interrelated submodels representing different constituents of ship dynamics: rigid body, air cushion, propulsion system, ballonet, underlying surface, aerodynamics, yaw rudder. The proposed model is capable of predicting all major characteristics of the ship movement such as trajectory, forces, moments, air cushion pressure, subject to different operating conditions. Both controlled and uncontrolled movement may be simulated. The suggested approach is based on the numerical integration of the equations of motion as well as the equation describing the pressure evolution in the air cushion. The verification of the model was carried out and the results of model towing tests are presented.