Model experiments of a trimaran with transom stern

Abstract

This study was initiated due to the lack of published experimental data on transom stern trimaran capability. The feasibility of the model experiments was examined and a series of model tests were carried out in the towing tank of Department of Naval Architecture, Dalian University of Technology. The study concentrates on the resistance and seakeeping characteristics of transom stern trimaran. A set of configurations of the trimaran over a range of Froude numbers were tested and the results were compared. Some conclusions can be drawn as below. The wave resistance and heave response can be reduced by placing the side hulls towards the stern and the main hull at high speeds. The pitch motion response can be depressed effectively by increasing the distance between the main hull and the side hulls. Furthermore, the breadth of trimaran is a sensitive parameter to roll, and the amplitude of roll angle is reduced along with the increase of trimaran breadth.