Numerical and experimental analysis of hydroelastic responses of a high-speed trimaran in oblique irregular waves

Abstract

Investigation of hydroelastic responses of high-speed vessels in irregular sea state is of major interest in naval applications. A three dimensional nonlinear time-domain hydroelastic method in oblique irregular waves is developed, in which the nonlinear hydrostatic restoring force caused by instantaneous wetted surface and slamming force are considered. In order to solve the two technical problems caused by irregular sea state, the time-domain retardation function and Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) autopilot model are applied respectively. Besides, segmented model tests of a high-speed trimaran in oblique waves are performed. An oblique wave testing system for trimarans is designed and assembled. The measured results of main hull and cross-decks are analyzed, and the differences in distribution of load responses between trimarans and monohull ships are discussed. Finally, from the comparisons, it is confirmed that the present concept for dealing with nonlinear hydroelastic responses of ships in oblique irregular waves is reliable and accurate.