Development of fast craft seakeeping design methodology

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a method for choosing the best hull form parameter for fast craft. Hull form parameters play a major role in influencing the seakeeping of the vessels. One of the problems for the designer is to choose which parameter to be changed and by how much should the parameter be changed to be most effective. Often changes in one parameter will affect other parameters. Thus, this project describes the methodology for modifying the hull form in the preliminary design stages to obtain the optimum hull form with minimum motion and hence generate a hull form with better seakeeping characteristics. To ensure a clear relationship between changes in hull parameters and seakeeping performance, the hull form was varied systematically, forming a design space containing 25 variants. The modification and computation of seakeeping characteristics were carried out using Maxsurf computer softwares. Assessments of the variants were carried out using criteria such as vertical accelerations, lateral accelerations and roll motions. By developing design surfaces, the optimum hull form was identified.