Motions and Drift Forces of Air-Supported Structures in Waves

摘要

A computational method to determine the effects of air cushions on the behavior211u001eof floating structures in waves in described and validated through comparison 211u001ewith results of model tests. The computational method is based on linear three-211u001edimensional potential theory using linearized adiabatic law for the air pressures 211u001ein the cushions. The water surfaces within the air cushions and the mean wetted 211u001esurface of the structure are described by panel distributions representing 211u001eoscillating sources. Results of computations and model tests with a simple 211u001erectangular barge in regular waves are compared with respect to cushion 211u001epressures, motions and mean second order wave drift forces.