Dynamic stability of the air-lifted catamaran

Abstract

The air-lifted catamaran (ALC) is an innovative fast marine transportation concept, comprising the application and variation of a new, skirtless air cushion and air lubrication, thus rendering it a hybrid of a catamaran and an SES (surface effect ship). Its features and capabilities are beyond those of current, conventional high-speed monohulls and catamarans. The present paper presents pertinent studies on stability concerning this craft, including dynamic stability, stability in turning, and directional stability. The stability analysis takes into account air compressibility in the cushion, and is carried out in the time domain. Some simulated results are presented and discussed, and requirements for design and operation of the craft, based on IMO HSC Code 2000, are briefly outlined.