UTILISING AIR LUBRICATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT HIGH SPEED MARINE VEHICLES

摘要

Research leading powering reduction and improving energy efficiency for HSMV is well investigated through optimisation of hull, propulsion and structures. This paper focuses on air cavity concept which is one of the most effective air lubrication method applicable for HSMV. Computational Fluid Dynamics was utilised to investigate the key parameters of effective air cavity parameters. A simple planning hull form model of a high speed craft was selected as a case study. An air cavity geometry was adopted and applied into the hull form. Model tests were conducted to investigate the effect of air cavity. Available experimental data was used to validate the CFD model. Parameters such as air flow rate, cavity step height and form of cavity were investigated. Results in terms of resistance reduction were presented. Similar to previous experimental work, current numerical study shows that application of this technique in HSMV may lead to a viscous resistance reduction.