Slamming loads on wetdecks of multihull vessels

Abstract

Slamming against the wetdeck of a multihull vessel in head sea waves is studied analytically and numerically. The theoretical slamming model is a two-dimensional, asymptotic method valid for small local angles between the undisturbed water surface and the wetdeck. The disturbance of the water surface as well as the local hydroelastic effects in the slamming area are accounted for. The elastic deflections of the wetdeck are expressed in terms of “dry” normal modes. The structural formulation accounts for the shear deformations and the rotatory inertia effects in the wetdeck. The findings of this work indicate that the slamming loads on the wetdeck are significantly influenced by the elasticity of the wetdeck structure.