External Factors Impact on Basic Properties of Hovercraft Skirt Materials

摘要

The article is devoted to the research of the most common materials for air-cushion vehicles skirt (ACV, hovercraft). The paper presents the results of the impact various external factors have on hovercraft operational properties. The impact of temperature and operation time of the ACV on strength characteristics of these materials are investigated. The influence of prolonged soaking in fresh water on the adhesion of the coating was researched. It is noted that temperature variation strongly affects the tear resistance of the materials. It is shown that the strength properties and adhesion are significantly changed during the operation of the ACV. It is noticed that such changes are intrinsic to both materials. It is recommended to use the obtained results in the design of hovercraft skirts for the reliable prediction of their life.