Experimental investigations on the resistance performance of a high-speed partial air cushion supported catamaran

The partial air cushion supported catamaran (PACSCAT) is a novel Surface Effect Ship (SES) and possesses distinctive resistance performance due to the presence of planing bottom. In this paper, the design of PACSCAT and air cushion system are described in detail. Model tests were carried out for Froude numbers ranging from 0.1 to 1.11, the focus is on the influence of air cushion system on resistance characteristics. Drag-reducing effect of air cushion system was proved by means of contrast tests in cuhionborne and non-cushionborne mode. Wave-making characteristics reflect that the PACSCAT would eventually enter planing regime, in which the air could just escape under the seals and the hull body could operate in a steady state. To acquire different air cushion pressure, air flow rate and leakage height were adjusted during tests. Experimental results show that the resistance performance in planing regime would decrease evidently as the increased air flow rate, however, the scheme with medium leakage height presents the best resistance performance in the hump region.