Model tests on double-hull wave interference effects using a gravity dynometer

Abstract

The effects of wave interference between the hulls of double hulled ships was investigated with the use of a model towing tank fitted with a gravity dynamometer type of model towing system. The towing tank and measurement equipment were designed and built as part of the project/ and will serve as a future testing facility at the University of the Witwatersrand, The project continues from an Investigation done to compare the drag of a Busemann Biplane Catamaran with that of a conventionally shaped hull/ and focuses on wave interference effects on the drag of a conventional double hull ship as a function of speed and hull separation . The accuracy and characteristics of the test equipment were determined and the experimental results were compared to other calculated data. Th e results clearly showed the relationship between wave drag, speed and separation resulting from wave interference effects and the magnitude of those effects.