A linear theory is developed to predict the heaving response of a single-plenum hovercraft to regular head or following seas. The response in a prescribed wave environment is found to depend on the natural heaving frequency and damping of the craft, on the frequency of wave encounter, on the cushion planform, and on the ratio of craft length to wave length. Particularly vigorous forcing is found to occur when the ratio of craft length to wave length is such that large changes occur in either cushion volume or escape area.
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References
1.
WheatleyJ. H. W. ‘Heave suspension characteristics and power requirements of a plenum air cushion’, Hovercraft Unit Report 9, National Physical Laboratory, 1969 (December).
